New Monument Honors Delaware’s WWI Veterans and Those Who Served on the Home Front

DOVER – The Delaware General Assembly, the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs and the Delaware Heritage Commission unveiled a new monument in honor of those Delawareans who served their state and the nation in World War I.

The monument is installed on the grounds of Legislative Hall and was dedicated during a special ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 4.

“The men of Delaware who went to France in 1918 were devoted to the cause of freedom and their duty to make the world safe for democracy. It’s our duty to remember their deeds and the ideals they fought for,” said Gov. John Carney. “This monument also stands in honor of the Delawareans who supported the Great War from the home front. This includes some of Delaware’s most famous illustrators, whose artwork captured the spirt of America’s role in the war, and the nation’s duty to come to our allies’ aid.”

The granite memorial features reproductions of two famous works of wartime art by Delaware illustrators. One side depicts a 1919 piece by Frank Schoonover, dedicated to the Delaware “Doughboys” who fought with the Allies in France. The obverse depicts a 1918 war bond poster by Ethel Pennewill Brown Leach, in honor of the sacrifices of those who supported the war on the home front.

Though no living Delaware vetera

ns of World War I remain, many of their descendants have kept alive the memory of their service, including Sen. David McBride, president pro tempore of the Delaware Senate.

“As a veteran and a public official, I believe one of our highest duties is to honor all of our armed forces: those who serve, those who have served, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Sen. McBride. “As the nephew of a pilot killed in action over France in 1918, this memorial—and the tribute it pays to the millions of soldiers, sailors, and marines who served in World War I—is particularly moving. I hope that it reminds every passerby of our armed forces’ courage and sacrifice, and that it stands the test of time as their service has for our country.”

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the American intervention in World War I. Throughout the United States’ engagement in the war, some 9,000 Delawareans served overseas in the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps. Of that number, 43 Delawareans were killed in action and 188 were wounded. Many more succumbed to the great influenza epidemic of 1918-1919, bringing the total number of Delaware service personnel lost during the war to 270.

“I am very proud that our state is r

ecognizing these brave men,” said Sen. Colin Bonini. “The soldiers of the First World War heralded the beginning of the American century and we are grateful for their sacrifices.”

The installation of the monument was made possible by the Delaware General Assembly, with support from the Commission of Veterans’ Affairs, a division of the Department of State.

“In the Department of State, I’m proud to say that we help to support Delaware’s veterans every day through both the Commission of Veterans’ Affairs and the Delaware Veterans’ Home,” said Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock. “Just as we honor veterans who have gone before us, we must do honor to those men and women still in our midst who gave their service to this country.”


Delaware Housing Workshops: March 23-24, 2015

Where/When: The Modern Maturity Center, Dover, DE on Monday, March 23, 2015 from 1:00 to 7:00 pm. The Chase Center on the Riverfront, Wilmington, DE on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm.

Attorney General Matthew P. Denn sent out a letter stating, ” The nationwide economic crisis across this country has shown some inprovement, but the crisis is not over. Many Delawareans continue to fight to stay in thier homes. That’s why the Delaware State Housing Authority and the Department of Justice have partnered to form the Delaware Homeowner Relief Initiative, as we continue to help Delawareans protect their most important investment – their home.”

Attorney General Denn encourages you to attend the next FREE housing workshops. You will have the opportunity to meet with mortgage lenders and servicers on-site (Please bring loan information and budget). There will be certified housing counselors and representatives from the Attorney General’s office and other agencies. The educational sessions will cover the ways to avoid foreclosure scams, Delaware Foreclosure Timeline, National Mortgage Settlement and current federal programs.

“No appointments necessary.” Monday, March 23, 2015 will be held at The Modern Maturity Center located at 1121 Forrest Ave, Dover, DE 19904. Loan servicers available from 1:00 to 7:00 pm. Educational session will be from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. Tuesday, March 24, 2015 location will be at The Chase Center on the Riverfront, 815 Justison Street, Wilmington, DE 19801. Loan servicers are available from 3:00 to 7:00 pm. Educational session is at 5:00 pm.

For more information please visit: www.delawarehomeownerrelief.com or www.attorneygeneral.delaware.gov. Email: Consumer.protection@delaware.gov, or call the Delaware Homeowner Relief Hotline: 1-800-220-5424 or Attorney General Matt Denn’s Foreclosure Prevention office: 302-577-8393/8378.


Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs Hosts VAMC-Wilmington Town Hall Meeting

Dover – Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs hosts the Wilmington VAMC for a Town Hall Meeting November 20, 2014. The meeting will be held at 12 p.m., Kent County Administration Building and Levy Court, 555 Bay Rd., Dover, DE.
“These meetings are designed to allow feedback from Veterans, family members and other stakeholders,” said Robin C. Aube-Warren, medical center director. “We want to hear from Veterans what they need to improve as well as what we are doing right. Sometimes we think we are doing what Veterans want, but we may be off the mark. That’s why it is important we hear first-hand how we can better serve Veterans in lower Delaware.”
Veteran Town Hall meetings will be held quarterly and offered at different times and locations to accommodate as many people as possible.
“Caring for Veterans is a calling, and our first commitment is to provide Veterans and their families the timely, quality care and benefits they have earned and deserve through their service to our Nation,” said Secretary McDonald. “As we seek continual improvement and to rebuild trust among Veterans, it is critical that we continue to listen and learn directly from those who use our system.”
For additional information contact: Commissioner William Farley at (800) 344-9900.


Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs Announces Specialty License Plate

Dover – if you’re a veteran in Delaware, you have a myriad of choices for a specialty license plate to recognize your military affiliation, a campaign in which you served, or even a distinctive military decoration you were awarded. However; the Commission of Veterans Affairs worked with the Department of Motor Vehicle to design a specialty plate for the public to show their appreciation and support of the men and women of the Armed Forces and those who have served. House Bill 324 provided for a special motor vehicle license plate for the purpose of honoring Delaware’s veterans. Now; not only veterans, but any Delaware resident wishing to honor veterans can purchase a specialty plate for their private passenger vehicle, or truck with a 3/4-ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity. The plate reads “I Support Veterans”. There is a one-time administration fee of $20.00 with half shared as a donation to the Delaware Veterans Trust Fund. By purchasing this specialty license plate, you show your support for veterans and do so with a contribution to the Veterans Trust Fund.


Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs Sponsors Freedom 5K Run/Walk on July 5th

Dover – The Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs will sponsor the 15th Annual Freedom 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, July 5, 2014, 9:00 AM, at Silver Lake Park in Dover. A Healthy Kids Run (kids 8 & under) starts at 8:55 AM. All proceeds will benefit the Delaware Veterans Trust Fund that provides assistance to Delaware’s veterans in financial crisis. The registration fee is $20 until June 28th, $25 after and on event day. Registration starts at 8:00 AM. Kiddie K race is FREE! Make checks payable and mail to Veterans Trust Fund, 2772 Hazlettville Rd, Dover, DE 19904. Contact Ray at 302-674-3213 or email: Races4u@TriSportEvents.Com. Register online at http://www.TriSportsEvents.Com.  Can’t make the race but would still like to support this event?  Register as a Silent Hero!  Unique awards for overall male, female and master’s winners and top 3 male & female runners in 10 year age groups starting with 14 & under, thru 70 & over.  5K walk awards for top 3 male & female finishers.  AWARDS to most patriotic male & female participants.  Ribbons to all Kiddie K finishers.  “Freedom 5K” tee shirts to all participants and volunteers.  Post race festivities includes free food and beverage.