Massachusetts Marine who died in the line of duty to have Route 6 overpass dedicated in his name

SANDWICH, MA — State Representative Steven Xiarhos announced on Tuesday the dedication of the Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Tourville Memorial Overpass, formerly known as the Quaker Meeting House Road Overpass over Route 6 in Sandwich.

The dedication ceremony will take place on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 12:00 noon on the bridge itself. The public is invited to attend this special event honoring the life, service, and sacrifice of United States Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Tourville, a proud son of Sandwich who dedicated nearly ten years of his life to serving our nation.

According to Xiarhos, Staff Sergeant Tourville was born and raised in Sandwich and demonstrated a commitment to service from an early age. At age 11, he became a member of the inaugural graduating class of the Corporal Nicholas G. Xiarhos Young Marines program in West Yarmouth, where he began developing the leadership, discipline, and sense of duty that would define his life.

During his senior year at Sandwich High School, Ray enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and departed for Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island shortly after graduation in 2015. Over the next decade, he built an exceptional military career, serving as an Infantry Squad Leader with Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, and later as a Weapons Company Section Leader with 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines.

He also served as a Personnel Recovery and Raids Instructor with the 1st Expeditionary Operations Training Group in California, helping prepare deploying units for missions around the world. During his Marine Corps career, Staff Sergeant Tourville deployed extensively with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, participating in operations, exercises, and missions across Africa, Okinawa, Indonesia, the Philippines, Spain, Timor-Leste, and Thailand.

Xiarhos stated that throughout his ten years of military service, Ray earned the respect of his fellow Marines through his leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to mission accomplishment. In 2024, while still serving on active duty, he lost his battle with the hidden wounds that too often affect members of our military and veteran communities. His legacy of service, sacrifice, and devotion to country will now be permanently memorialized for future generations.

The dedication ceremony will include military honors, remarks from elected officials, family members, veterans, and community leaders, as well as the official unveiling of the memorial bridge signs for the first time.

To accommodate the ceremony, Quaker Meeting House Road at the overpass will be closed to traffic between approximately 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Traffic will be diverted during that time. The Sandwich Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police will be on site to assist with traffic control and public safety.

“This bridge dedication ensures that the name and legacy of Staff Sergeant Raymond Tourville will never be forgotten,” said Representative Steven Xiarhos. “Ray was a proud Marine, a proud son of Sandwich, and a man who dedicated nearly ten years of his life to serving our nation around the world. In 2024, while still serving on active duty, he lost his battle with the hidden wounds that can accompany military service. Today, we honor not only his service and sacrifice, but also the importance of remembering those who carry unseen burdens. This memorial bridge will stand forever as a reminder that Raymond Tourville served his country with honor and that his life mattered.”

The legislation establishing the memorial overpass was filed by Representative Xiarhos, passed by the Massachusetts House of Representatives, passed by the Massachusetts Senate with the support of State Senator Dylan Fernandes, and was signed into law by Governor Maura Healey.

Governor Healey will host a ceremonial bill signing with the Tourville family on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the Massachusetts State House, marking the final step in the legislative process before the dedication ceremony.

Representative Xiarhos expressed his gratitude to the Tourville family, Governor Healey, Senator Fernandes, his colleagues in the House and Senate, veterans organizations, local officials, and community members whose support helped make the memorial designation possible.

“Because of the support of so many people, this bridge will now stand forever in Raymond’s memory,” said Xiarhos. “Every person who crosses it will be reminded of a Marine who answered the call to serve, a family whose sacrifice will never be forgotten, and the importance of ensuring that those struggling with hidden wounds know they are not alone.”

The public is encouraged to attend and join the Tourville family, veterans, elected officials, and community members in honoring the life and service of Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Tourville.

CEREMONY INFORMATION

Date: Sunday, June 14, 2026
Time: 12:00 Noon
Location: Quaker Meeting House Road Overpass, Route 6, Sandwich, Massachusetts
Road Closure: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Traffic Control: Sandwich Police Department and Massachusetts State Police
Public Attendance: All are welcome