Hello,

My name is Julieann Salmons, I’m writing this on behalf of my son, Nico. He is 8 years old and in the second grade at Montclair Elementary School in Quincy, Massachusetts. We’re writing this because we care about our state and the people who live and work by the ocean.

In Gloucester, there is a statue called the “Man at the Wheel.” It is also known as the Gloucester Fishermen’s Memorial. The statue shows a fisherman holding tightly onto a ship’s wheel during a big storm. He stands strong against the wind and waves. It reminds us how brave fishermen have to be when they go out to sea.

The statue honors more than 5,000 fishermen from Gloucester who were lost at sea and never came home. 7 more names soon to be added. Fishing is one of the hardest and most dangerous jobs in the world. The ocean gives us food and jobs, but it can also be very powerful. The “Man at the Wheel” stands for courage, sacrifice, and love for family. It also reminds us of the families who waited on shore, hoping their loved ones would return safely.

Nico would like the “Man at the Wheel” to become the official Massachusetts Maritime Memorial Symbol in honor of the Lily Jean of Gloucester.

This is especially important and urgent because of the Lily Jean fishing vessel that sank on January 30, 2026. When a fishing boat is lost, it affects more than just the crew. It affects families, friends, and entire communities. Children lose parents. Parents lose sons. Towns lose neighbors. Recognizing this statue across our state—and even across the country—could help bring comfort and peace to the families of the Lily Jean and to all families who have lost someone at sea.

Massachusetts is a coastal state. From Gloucester to Quincy and all along our shores, the ocean is part of who we are. Making the “Man at the Wheel” our official maritime memorial symbol could help bring all coastal and neighboring towns in the Commonwealth together. It would show that we remember, we care, and we stand united. The statue has words on it that say, “They that go down to the sea in ships…” Those words remind us of the people who bravely work on the ocean every day not only in Gloucester but statewide.

Please sign this petition so Nico can bring your support and voice with him to the Massachusetts State House in Boston, Ma on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. 

Lily Jean🩵in our hearts forever.

Thank you for reading and for caring.

Sincerely,
Nico Escoto (age 8)
Second Grade 
Montclair Elementary School
Quincy, Massachusetts

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to help spread the word. We truly appreciate you.