Jon Santiago, Massachusetts Secretary of the Executive Office of Veterans’ Services, will say the Pledge of Allegiance at Sunday’s St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast hosted by Senator Nick Collins.

“Being chosen to say the Pledge of Allegiance is a tremendous honor, representing not only the Executive Office of Veterans Services but also the veterans of Massachusetts. South Boston elected officials have always been strong advocates for our veterans, so when Senator Collins asked me to participate, I had to be there,” said Santiago.

With public service as a personal priority, Santiago is an emergency medicine physician at Boston Medical Center, who was elected state representative for the 9th Suffolk District back in 2019.

“As a younger physician, I learned that the ER is where people go on their worst day or when there’s nowhere else to go. It’s a privilege to listen to my patient’s concerns, and they deserve to have their stories shared at the highest levels of government. I wanted to both care for them and be their advocate. For me, medicine has always been synonymous with public service.” 

In addition to being a doctor, Santiago is a major in the U.S. Army Reserve and an a former volunteer in the Peace Corps, in 2023, Governor Maura Healey and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll appointed Santiago as First Cabinet-Level Veterans’ Secretary.

“Above all, I want people to know that the Executive Office of Veterans Services is fully dedicated to honorably serving those who have served us. Over the past year, we have undergone significant transformation, expanding our programs and reaffirming our commitment to our two Massachusetts Veterans Homes. Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll have made it clear that we must prioritize our veteran community, and it’s an honor to lead that mission.”

Make sure to tune into the St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast on Sunday morning, starting at 9:30am and watch Santiagos say the Pledge of Allegiance live. Just one of the many surprises planned during this legendary event. 

The event will be live-streamed on NECN, BNN and WROL Radio beginning at 9:30 a.m. Live TV broadcast will begin at 10 a.m. Caught In Southie will provide exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage.

You can also watch via nbc10boston.com, necn.com and on NBC10 Boston’s YouTube channel.