Annual Veterans Day Event To Be Held Saturday, November 11

As in previous years, the Office of Veterans Services (OVS) and the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs (DCVA) will host a ceremonial event in observance of Veterans Day on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the Delaware War Memorial Plaza (163 Cherry Lane, New Castle, DE 19720) in New Castle. The event will recognize and honor community members who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Visitors with accessibility accommodation needs are encouraged to register for assistance by contacting Miranda Mal at the Office of Veterans Services via email (Miranda.mal@delaware.gov) or phone (302-739-2792). Requests should be submitted by Thursday, November 9, 2023, to ensure support is in place. For directions or information about the War Memorial Plaza and/or Veterans Memorial Park, please visit https://www.veteransmemorialpark.us/about-park.

MEDIA CONTACT: Miranda Mal, Communications Officer, Office of Veterans Services


Memorial Day Ceremonial Events

The Office of Veterans Services (OVS) and the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs (DCVA) have scheduled two events in observance of Memorial Day.

As in previous years, OVS and DCVA will host ceremonies on separate days. The first will take place on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Ceremony in Bear, Delaware. The second will take place on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at the Delaware War Memorial Day Plaza in New Castle. Both events will honor fallen servicemembers who have died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Visitors with accessibility accommodation needs are encouraged to register for assistance by contacting Miranda Mal at the Office of Veterans Services via email at Miranda.mal@delaware.gov or phone at 302-257-3120. Requests should be submitted by Friday, May 26, 2023, to ensure support is in place.

Saturday, May 27, 2023

What: Memorial Day Ceremony

When: Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.

Where: New Castle County Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Rd., Bear, DE 19701

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

What: Memorial Day Ceremony

When: Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 10:30 a.m.

Where: War Memorial Plaza, 163 Cherry Lane, New Castle, DE 19720


Memorial Day Ceremonial Events

The Office of Veterans Services and the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs have scheduled two events in observance of Memorial Day.

As in previous years, OVS and the Commission will host ceremonies on separate days. The first will take place on Saturday, May 28, 2022, at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Day Cemetery in Bear. The second will take place on Monday, May 30, 2022, at the Delaware War Memorial Plaza in New Castle. Both will honor the men and women who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Saturday, May 28, 2022

What: Memorial Day Ceremony
When: Saturday, May 28, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.
Where: New Castle County Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Rd., Bear, DE 19701

 

Monday, May 30, 2022

What: Memorial Day Ceremony

Who: 

  • Governor John Carney
  • Governor Bethany Hall-Long
  • U.S. Senator Tom Carper
  • U.S. Senator Chris Coons
  • Secretary of State Jeff Bullock
  • Attorney General Kathy Jennings
  • State Treasurer Colleen Davis
  • Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro
  • State Auditor Kathleen McGuiness
  • Deputy Secretary of State Kris Knight
  • Delaware Veterans Affairs Commission
  • Wilmington Veterans Affairs Healthcare Director Vince Kane
  • Office of Veterans Services Executive Director Josh Matticks
  • Delaware Veterans Home Administrator Carol Erhart
  • Members of the Delaware General Assembly

When: Monday, May 30, 2022 at 10:30 a.m.

Where: War Memorial Plaza, 163 Cherry Lane, New Castle, DE 19720

RSVP: Contact Jennifer Jensen at Jennifer.Jensen@delaware.gov or by phone at (302) 257-3120.

Livestream: To view the livestream, click here.

The mission of the Delaware Office of Veterans Services (OVS), an agency of the Delaware Department of State, is to support veterans living in the First State and their families. OVS assists with access to services and benefits that veterans have earned through their military service, including disability compensation, employment, housing and more.


Governor Carney, Lt. Governor Hall-Long Support Veterans Affairs’ Governor’s Challenge on Suicide Prevention

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney and Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long on Wednesday announced their support for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration’s (SAMHSA) Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families.

The Governor’s challenge is a national initiative that promotes a coordinated public health approach that focuses on increasing understanding of the issues related to suicide prevention. As advocates, the Delaware team will promote best practices through sharing efforts within and across states while engaging city, county, and state stakeholders to enhance and align local and state-wide suicide prevention efforts.

“Delawareans who commit their life to service give so much to our state and our country, and it can have difficult impacts. We are grateful to the VA for their focus on this issue,” said Governor Carney. “As Governor Markell used to say, Delaware is a ‘state of neighbors.’ We’re always looking out for each other. Delawareans can work together through this important initiative and prevent suicide among at-risk service members, veterans and their families. There is no better advocate for mental health than our Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long and that’s why I’ve designated her as team leader.”

The Office of the Governor will partner with the VA and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) SAMHSA through a call to action for state and local communities to implement the National Strategy for the Prevention of Veteran Suicide. Delawareans can work together through this initiative and prevent suicide among at-risk Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF) using a comprehensive public health approach.

The State of Delaware has already begun to implement suicide prevention efforts, participation in this initiative will allow us to further implement best policies and practices to advance our suicide prevention efforts for Service members, Veterans, and their families by using a comprehensive public health approach. In selecting our state interagency team, careful consideration will be given to identifying individuals who can influence state-level policy development and change. Suicide is a national public health issue that impacts everyone.

“Too often members of our armed services come home with invisible scars and suffer in silence. Tragically, veterans were 20 percent of the United State’s suicides in 2021. As the wife and daughter of veterans, I know firsthand, that we must do better. Access to quality behavioral health services is critical for active-duty members, veterans, and their families.” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, Ph.D., R.N. “This partnership between the Veterans Hospital and SAMHSA to implement the Governor’s Challenge greatly advances the efforts of the Delaware Behavioral Health Consortium.  This collaboration will aid in preventing suicide among at-risk members of Delaware’s military community.”

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, and the 11th in Delaware. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, approximately 45,000 people die from suicide each year. Informed and coordinated medical care, coupled with mental health and crisis support services are critical for people showing signs of suicide risk in their thoughts or behavior.

“One life lost to suicide is one too many,” said Vince Kane, Wilmington VA Medical Center Director. “Suicide prevention efforts go beyond the walls of health care and into the communities throughout our state. We are eager to partner with the Governor and Lt. Governors offices as well as joining forces with support from the Delaware National Guard.” 

Both our state and nation owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women who have served in uniform. Helping service members, Veterans and their families find the resources they need is vital to taking care of our community. This will also give us a chance to work with a defined group and to utilize what we learn to help improve our overall approach to suicide prevention.

It is imperative that our Veteran and military communities, service organizations, and community organizations work with the state to plan our approach. The VA has already established a number of pathways for helping Veterans find treatment. These apply for those who get care from the Wilmington VA Medical Center, and those who call the VA’s 24/7 National Crisis Line (1-800-273- 8255 and Press 1) or the Delaware Hope Line (1-833-9-HOPEDE). 

All Delawareans must work together to adopt effective strategies statewide that will help reduce risk among our military communities. As a State, the initiative stands as a call to action: start the conversation and help spread the word to prevent suicide among Veterans.

Click here for more information on the Governor’s Challenge.

If you or someone you know is in need of help, please call the Delaware Hope Line: 1-833-9-HOPEDE

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Eligible Disabled Veterans May Now Apply for School Property Tax Credit

DOVER, DE— Veterans with a 100 percent disability rating may be eligible for a tax credit against 100 percent of non-vocational school district property tax. House Bill 214 with House Amendment 1, which was signed into law by Governor John Carney on August 10th, 2021, allows school districts to grant a Disabled Veterans School Property Tax Credit to eligible disabled veterans.

“Our veterans make sacrifices unfamiliar to most, and for those disabled veterans that sacrifice is even greater. We have a solemn obligation to make sure they are taken care of when they come back home,” said Governor John Carney. “House Bill 214 honors that sacrifice. Thanks to all the advocates and members of the General Assembly that championed this bill.”

“Many of our disabled veterans struggle physically, mentally, and financially. Providing them an exemption from school property taxes will alleviate a financial burden,” said Office of Veterans Services Director Josh Matticks. “We’re thankful for Governor Carney and all the members of the Delaware General Assembly who made this happen.”

Currently, all 16 Delaware non-vocational school districts have approved the school property tax credit. To qualify, applicants must:

  • Receive 100% disability compensation due to service-connected, permanent, and total disability based on individual unemployability or a 100% disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA).
  • Have held legal domicile in Delaware for the past 3 years.
  • Pay their property tax bill in full by the end of each tax year in order to qualify for this credit in a subsequent property tax year.

Credit applications are due by April 30, 2022 tax year in order to receive the credit for the 2022 tax year. To apply, qualified disabled veterans must fill out an application found on the Delaware Department of Finance’s website at https://finance.delaware.gov/disabled-veterans/. Applicants must provide:

  • A valid driver’s license or official state ID.
  • Documentation of USDA disability.
  • A copy of their Social Security Card.

For more information on the Disabled Veterans School Tax Credit, please visit https://finance.delaware.gov/disabled-veterans or visit the Disabled Veterans School Tax Credit Frequently Asked Questions page at https://finance.delaware.gov/disabled-veterans/disabled-veterans-school-tax-credit-faq/.

Individuals may also contact the County office in which they live at the following numbers:

New Castle County

(302) 395-5520

Kent County

(302) 744-2401

Sussex County

(302) 855-7871