U.S. Rep. Moulton Seeks Nominations For Gomes Service Award

SALEM, MA — U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton is looking for nominations from the 6th Congressional District for the sixth annual Peter J. Gomes Service Award.

The award, in honor of Moulton's mentor and late Harvard University minister, is meant to celebrate people "who best exemplify the qualities of integrity, compassion and commitment to the community."

Moulton said those were the foundational principles of Gomes.

"My friend and mentor, Reverend Gomes, talked a lot about the importance of service," Moulton said in a statement to Patch. "He would always say to me that it wasn't enough to just believe in service, or support those who serve — I've got to go out and do it myself.

"His words helped me muster the courage to join the Marines, but it also inspired me to do something I never thought I'd do: dedicate my life to service as an elected official. I'm always impressed by the number of people in our community who are so deeply committed to the cause of public service, and I'm honored to keep the legacy and spirit of Rev. Gomes alive again for a sixth year."

Nominations can be made here.

Gomes was a Christian minister for nearly 40 years at The Memorial Church at Harvard University. He was a preacher, teacher, author and leader who inspired and supported those in the armed forces and universal humanitarian causes.

Moulton said will host an awards ceremony in September to honor the outstanding nominees and name the recipient of the Gomes Service Award.

He is also planning a community service project in honor of Gomes at a time to be determined. Details on that project can be found here when they become available.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)