Massachusetts veterans returning from war can cash in on a new state initiative that provides them with up to $1,000 to commemorate their service, but legislators say less than half of those who are eligible have not applied for the “Welcome Home” bonuses.

“We know the service that you give is not only a sacrifice of yourselves but also of your family,” said Gov. Deval Patrick to the four veterans receiving the award at the State House yesterday. “[Your service] is a tremendous gift.”

The bonus program provides all Massachusetts veterans activated on or after Sept. 11, 2001 with a cash bonus based on where they served, said Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth), who encouraged more veterans to apply.

Veterans who serve six months or more in the United States are eligible to receive $500, while troops deployed to Afghanistan or Iraq can get $1,000.

“The ‘Welcome Home’ bonus is our way of saying, ‘Thank you for your service,'” Murray said to the four veterans. “You deserve the bonus, and with that you deserve our appreciation.”

State Sen. Stephen Brewer (D-Worcester), who spearheaded the initiative, said the troops are an inspirational force that deserves the checks as well as the state’s attention.

“I am startlingly moved by the youth of these individuals, not only as a public official, but as a family member,” Brewer said. “How I wish we could bring our returning veterans home to the streets of Boston to a million people in the street.”

Brig. Gen. Thomas Sellers said the state has an unmatched veterans’ affairs initiative.

“The Massachusetts legislature has really taken a leadership role in supporting veterans in Massachusetts,” Sellers said. “The programs and benefits Massachusetts provides are superior to other states’.”

State Treasurer Tim Cahill presented the bonuses to Air Force Staff Sgt. Joshua Kilnap of Canton, Army Specialist Michael Carey of Roxbury, Marine Sergeant Michael Wilson of North Andover and Navy Petty Officer Ronald Duggan of Weymouth.

“We appreciate the opportunity to have this ceremony,” Cahill said. “Our goal is to get every member the money they deserve this pre-Veterans’ Day.”

Though Sholom Keller, a veteran of the war in Iraq, told The Daily Free Press last month he thought benefits for veterans were lacking in the United States, Cahill spokeswoman Francy Ronayne said the bonuses exemplify efforts made by Massachusetts.

“I really think this is a story with no negative side,” Ronayne said. “This is a story [veterans] deserve to show that we appreciate them.”