Letters of invitation to 200 county veterans of military service were mailed last week informing them they are eligible to receive the Burlington County Military Service Medal at a ceremony scheduled for Friday, Nov. 2 at 11 a.m. at the county’s human services facility located at 795 Woodlane Road in Westampton.
Sponsored by the Freeholders and organized by the Burlington County Division of Military and Veterans Services, the brief annual ceremony recognizes any county resident who has served in the U.S. Armed Forces and has not yet received their county medal.
Veterans must respond to the Division of Military and Veterans Services at (609) 265–5008 before Oct. 26th if they plan to attend.
The County Medals Program 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 Burlington 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.
Requirements for receiving a medal are current residency in the county and having been honorably discharged from U.S. military service. Veterans must register and be approved to receive a medal through the County Department of Military and Veterans Services (609) 265–5008.
All residents are encouraged to bring torn or tattered American flags to the hour-long ceremony so they can be disposed of properly.
