County to Honor Veterans with Service Medal

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