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.

Each year, Veterans Day weekend brings our communities together. Whether at memorials, parades or events with the V-F-W and American Legion groups, we cherish this chance to show support for men and women who have put service above self throughout our history. We reflect on the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy as a result of their sacrifice. As John F. Kennedy said, “as we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” We must continuously renew our commitment to our Veterans, and I’m proud our state has recently taken steps to strengthen services for our returning heroes. In September, we declared Hire a Vet month, with a focus on reducing the disproportionately high rate of veterans’ unemployment. Earlier this year we launched our Veterans Services Directory, an online searchable database of organizations assisting Delaware’s military, veterans and their families. You can access these resources at https://delaware.gov/vsd. We’re supporting Veteran entrepreneurs through our Supplier Diversity Council, which ensures Veteran, as well as minority and women owned businesses, are afforded full, equitable opportunities to compete for State contracts. To participate in these efforts, companies need certification, so this month, on November 21, we’ll host an event to assist them in that process. For more information, Veteran businessmen and women can contact Michelle Morin at 857-4554. By ensuring Veterans receive the benefits they earned and the opportunities to employ their skills when they come home, we keep Delaware, and our great country, moving forward.