County to Honor Veterans with Service Medal
Burlington County will hold a ceremony later this fall to recognize residents who served in the Armed Forces.
Two hundred veterans have been invited to receive Burlington County’s Military Service Medal during a ceremony on Nov. 2.
The brief annual ceremony, sponsored by the board of freeholders and organized by the county Division of Military and Veterans Services (DMAVS), recognizes county residents who have served in the Armed Forces and have not yet received a county medal.
The county medals programs began in 2002 and can be partially credited for more than $13 million in new disability claims being awarded to Burlington County veterans and their families annually, and the fact that county veterans receive an average of $88 million in benefits each year.
Registering to receive the County Military Service Medal gives the DMAVS the ability to send veterans information regarding benefits and programs to which they are entitled.
“Approximately 10,000 county service medals have been awarded to date, and the number of claims we process for veterans is a true indication that this program has been successful,’’ Freeholder Deputy Director Joseph B. Donnelly said.
In order to receive the medal, a veteran must be a current resident of the county and have been honorably discharged from U.S. military service. Veterans must register and be approved to receive a medal through the county DMAVS (609-265-5008).
Veterans must respond to the DMAVS before Oct. 26 if they plan to attend the ceremony. The ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 2 at the county’s Human Services Facility, 795 Woodlane Road in Westampton.
All residents are encouraged to bring torn or tattered American flags to the hour-long ceremony so they can be disposed of properly.
Information provided by the Burlington County Office of Public Information
Ric
9:15 am on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
I know many county veterans appreciate this medal; my late father was a recipient.
I just find the timing, ten days before a general election, in poor taste. Of course they could have had this ceremony any other time of the year but come on, just before an election? Shame on them.
John
1:05 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Oh Ric, I am a vietnam veteran and I think your going overboard with your comment about this being political...Not everything is at it seems, just maybe there was a conflict with scheduling or something we do not know about.....I am glad that they are trying to reach the Vets, but right now I have not even seen anything coming my way for this program.....Just a thought maybe your wrong but who knows the right answer not me....have a great day.....
Ric
3:18 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Hi John, I tip my hat to you and all those that served in Vietnam. I did not serve thanks to the lottery but still the Wall made me realize the enormity of the war and the valor of men and women like you. Truly, you served this country well
I would love to think that the timing of the ceremony is coincidental but I have my doubts – it is too close to the election to be a coincidence for me. It seems that just a week or so before every election I receive a mailer from our county freeholders which lauds their connection to some sort county event – recycling or about granting county taxpayer money to the townships for park improvements. These mailers never come right after the election. And of course we pay for them.
I would love to believe our politicians are more honest than the others in this state; but, after reading about the CSA, cars that run on just $2500 a year and double & triple pensions, I have my doubts. We need a two party system in this county and town to keep things honest.
Bill O'Connor
7:25 pm on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
John, thank you for your service. They had stopped the draft by the time I left high school. However, Ric is right. This event is usually held closer to Veteran's Day. However, it appears the two incumbent freeholders may be in tight race in the upcoming election. Therefore,this event is Nov. 2 as opposed to let's say Nov. 9th three days after election. You are right it isn't always about politics but I'm afraid in this case it is. Again, thank you for your service to our country. Hopefully, you get contacted and the recognition that you deserve.
John
8:21 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Ric, thanks, I was drafted and did my part, did my duty and came back with no problems that I am aware of.....Yes, the wall has meaning to alot of us who served there....U maybe be correct about being political, do not know if its the nature of the beast....What we need is Honesty, and Honor.....Hope we get it we shall see thanks again.....