--- title: Veteran Community Support | InnoVets | Our History description: Honor their sacrifice with the Massachusetts Fallen Heroes Memorial, creating a tribute to their lives and supporting their families. Learn about our mission. --- # Helping the military community to charge forward. In 2010, Veterans and Gold Star families united to create a lasting tribute to the Fallen. Massachusetts Fallen Heroes and InnoVets were born to honor their legacy, and support their families and those who served along-side them. 2010 Massachusetts Fallen Heroes is Born A group of combat Veterans, Gold Star Families, and first responders gathered to discuss the idea of a memorial to honor those post-9/11 Massachusetts Heroes who did not make it back home. 2010 Launch of the Gold Star Events Program MFH began to hold events and outings for Gold Star Families, aiming to foster relationships among those who shared a common tragedy. These events ranged from sports games to family vacations and so much more. December 2010 First Annual Massachusetts Fallen Heroes Dinner Later known as the "Patriot Week Gala," this event gathers the public, Veterans, and Gold Star Families to honor the Fallen, and highlight important work of community members. December 2010 First Annual Gold Star Family Christmas Party Beginning as a effort to support Gold Star Families during the holidays, this event celebrates community and brings together families from across the state. 2013 Massachusetts Fallen Heroes Memorial Groundbreaking With the help of some key people and organizations, MFH began construction on the first-of-its-kind memorial to honor those lost in military service in conflicts after September 11th, 2001. 2015 Launch of Veteran’s Edge As the organization grew, the mission expanded to include supporting and empowering Veterans. Services such as legal support, employment help, civil service, and more were provided. May 2016 Massachusetts Fallen Heroes Memorial Dedicated After three years of construction, the Massachusetts Fallen Heroes Memorial was complete. We were joined by Gold Star Families, Veterans, and the Massachusetts community to dedicate this memorial to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice. May 2016 Launch of Patriot Week Surrounding Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day, Patriot Week was established as a week of events with the goal to educate the general public about honor, service, sacrifice, character and duty. November 2016 First Annual InnoVets Pitch Competition The Pitch Competition invited Veteran or Gold Star-owned companies to showcase their business in front of a panel of judges for the chance to win prize money to go towards funding their efforts. December 2016 First Annual Gold Star Christmas Tree Lighting MFH began to set up a dedicated Christmas tree at the Mass Fallen Heroes Memorial, and invited all Gold Star Families to join in a festive tree lighting event. November 2017 MFH Begins Community Food Deliveries Partnering together, MFH began to help other Massachusetts organizations to deliver food packages to those in need, including an annual turkey delivery surrounding the holidays. November 2018 The Loss of Co-Founder SFC Eric M. Emond On a tour in Afghanistan, Eric was tragically killed on November 27, 2018. Unfortunately, he joined the roughly 300 other names on the memorial he helped to build. February 2023 SFC Eric Emond Center for Engagement Opens After a long construction period, the MFH headquarters, military member co-working space, and event venue opened its doors, paying tribute to one of our own. October 2023 InnoVets Rebrand Announced As MFH grew, so did the mission. Once the goal of building a memorial had been met, the organization began to look towards the future, and providing more programming for Veterans and Gold Star Families. August 2024 Launch of the STRAC Business Accelerator Veteran owned companies moved into the ECE, becoming part of the first incubator for Veteran and Gold Star Family entrepreneurs. November 2024 InnoVets & MassMEP Partnership Created The two organizations partnered together to bring manufacturing jobs to Veterans and Gold Star Families, helping to bring advanced manufacturing training and new career opportunities. December 2024 New InnoVets Website Launched Following the transition to the InnoVets brand, the organization created an updated website to showcase the expanded mission. ###### Dedication ### Massachusetts Fallen Heroes Memorial dedicated on May 26, 2016 After two years of construction, the Memorial became a powerful beacon for Gold Star Families and the public to honor those who gave their lives. ![About_ Our History - Beginnings Block Image #1](https://www.innovets.org/hs-fs/hubfs/theme-innovets/images/About_%20Our%20History%20-%20Beginnings%20Block%20Image%20%231.jpg?width=1200&height=801&name=About_%20Our%20History%20-%20Beginnings%20Block%20Image%20%231.jpg) ![About_ Our History - Memorial Block](https://www.innovets.org/hs-fs/hubfs/theme-innovets/images/About_%20Our%20History%20-%20Memorial%20Block.jpg?width=1200&height=801&name=About_%20Our%20History%20-%20Memorial%20Block.jpg) ###### Mission ### Growing Beyond Building a Memorial What began as a simple vision on a napkin to honor the Fallen became a broader mission to support their families and Veterans.  ###### Future-Focused ### Launching New Support Initiatives With programs like STRAC, Veteran's Edge, and CodeX, InnoVets empowers the military community through education, entrepreneurship, and cybersecurity training for lasting impact. ![About_ Our History - Next Steps 1 Block](https://www.innovets.org/hs-fs/hubfs/theme-innovets/images/About_%20Our%20History%20-%20Next%20Steps%201%20Block.jpg?width=1200&height=801&name=About_%20Our%20History%20-%20Next%20Steps%201%20Block.jpg) ![About_ Our History - Next Steps 2](https://www.innovets.org/hs-fs/hubfs/theme-innovets/images/About_%20Our%20History%20-%20Next%20Steps%202.jpg?width=1200&height=801&name=About_%20Our%20History%20-%20Next%20Steps%202.jpg) ###### Growing Our Community ### Engaging the Community through Events InnoVets invites the public to support the military community and contribute to the mission by attending, donating, or volunteering. ![20240524_NG_MAFH_Memorial_Rededication_0291](https://www.innovets.org/hubfs/20240524_NG_MAFH_Memorial_Rededication_0291.jpeg) ###### Honoring Our Heroes ### A Lasting Tribute: The Massachusetts Fallen Heroes Memorial Located in Boston’s Seaport District, this Memorial stands as a tribute to service members who gave their lives since September 11, 2001. Along with InnoVets, Mass Fallen Heroes continues to provide multi-faceted support for Gold Star Families. [ Learn More about MFH ](https://www.massfallenheroes.org/) ## Empowering Veterans through Impactful Programs InnoVets offers programs that provide Veterans and Gold Star Families with the tools and support they need to thrive, from business acceleration to IT training and beyond. These programs empower, educate, and inspire military community members across the nation. [![STRAC_LOGO_Green](https://www.innovets.org/hubfs/theme-innovets/branding/STRAC_LOGO_Green.svg) Helping Veterans and Gold Star Families launch businesses through mentorship and resources. Explore STRAC ](https://www.innovets.org/programs/strac?hsLang=en) [![VeteransEdge_Logo_Blue](https://www.innovets.org/hubfs/theme-innovets/branding/VeteransEdge_Logo_Blue.svg) Providing underserved Veterans with tailored support services across many areas of potential need. Explore Vet's Edge ](https://www.innovets.org/program/veterans-edge?hsLang=en) [![MFH_Simple_Medallion_with TITLE_Navy](https://www.innovets.org/hubfs/theme-innovets/branding/MFH_Simple_Medallion_with%20TITLE_Navy.svg) Programming dedicated to honoring our Fallen Heroes and supporting the Gold Star Families of Massachusetts. Learn More ](https://www.massfallenheroes.org/)