Rochester Marine Becket Kiernan’s Legacy Lives On with Heartfelt Benefit Concert

On Friday, September 27th, the Vault Performing Arts Center and Pub on Purchase Street in New Bedford will host a special concert to honor the life of U.S. Marine Corps Private First Class Becket W. Kiernan, who passed away in 2018. Local band Nikki and The Boys will perform from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM (doors open at 7:00 PM), with all proceeds going towards building a memorial in Becket's hometown of Rochester, Massachusetts. This will be the third benefit concert in Becket’s honor, and the fundraiser is now only $1,000 short of its goal.

If interested, you can purchase your tickets to this event here.

Becket’s story is one of dedication and sacrifice. Born in Wareham and raised in Rochester, he dreamed of becoming a Marine from a young age, joining the Young Marines at just 10 years old. He excelled in both academics and leadership, becoming Sergeant Major of the New England Regiment before enlisting in the Marines at 17. Becket’s aspirations were tragically cut short when he passed away at the age of 18 from a flesh-eating bacterial infection while stationed at Marine Corps Base Twenty-Nine Palms in California.

Becket’s impact on his community continues to resonate. “He spent his entire life wanting to be a Marine, so this is a hard reality for us to live through," said Amberrayne Vaughn of Rochester, a childhood friend of Becket. Vaughn, who has been a key organizer of the event, emphasized the importance of coming together to honor Becket's legacy: “This has been the only thing that has brought me peace. Having one night a year where the community can gather to continue to love and honor him means the most to us.”

Once funds for Becket’s memorial are raised, future proceeds will go towards honoring other fallen military personnel who, like Becket, made the ultimate sacrifice. Becket's memory and commitment to the Marine Corps will live on through this lasting tribute, ensuring his service and character are never forgotten.