For More Information Contact:
Colleen Pillus
845-486-2000
Email: cpillus@dutchessny.gov
Poughkeepsie…Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro and Division of Veterans Services Director Nelson Eddy Rivera, USN (Ret) have announced the 9th Annual Dutchess County Veterans Appreciation Day will be held on Saturday, November 1st, 2014 at the Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Presidential Library and Home in Hyde Park from 10am until 1pm. The highlight of the event will be a Medal Presentation Ceremony beginning at 12 noon.
“Join us as we honor the courageous men and women of our Armed Forces, both past and present, who have served our nation and earned our gratitude,” said County Executive Molinaro. “Let us celebrate our local veterans as community and say THANK YOU for their service.”
The Veterans Appreciation Day celebrates all those who have honorably served our country. There will be representatives from nearly 40 County, State & Federal government as well as non-profit agencies providing information about services available to local veterans including employment assistance, home loan programs, county services and much more. Additionally, there will be special presentations on topic areas that Dutchess County Veterans Services receive the most inquiries about – dental insurance and legal services for veterans. Presentation schedule is as follows:
At noon, County Executive Molinaro and Veterans Services Director Nelson Eddy Rivera will present medals to veterans of World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War. The Medal Presentation Ceremony is considered to be the highlight of the Veteran’s Appreciation Day event.
Throughout the event, staff from VA Hudson Valley HealthCare (Castle Point) will be on hand to register veterans for their Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Benefits and take photos for the Veterans Information Card (VIC).
Dutchess County Clerk Brad Kendall will be issuing the "RETURN THE FAVOR (Find and Assist Veteran of Record)” Discount Program Card. The FAVOR card entitles veterans to discounts at more than 130 retailers and service businesses throughout Dutchess County. To get their FAVOR card, veterans should bring a copy of their Honorably Discharged Full-Time Active Duty Separation Papers (DD214, WD-AGO, Navpers 553, etc.) and a picture ID showing Dutchess County as their county of residence.
Event attendees can also take advantage of complimentary admission to the FDR Presidential Library and Museum as well as a complimentary viewing of the “A Rendezvous with History” film.
Division of Veterans Services Director Nelson Eddy Rivera, USN (Ret) said, “We look forward to this event each and every year. It is wonderful opportunity to gather veterans and their families together to celebrate all they have done for the country. It also provides a chance to share information to services that are specific to veterans’ needs, particularly those areas we get the most questions such as legal services and dental insurance.”
The Dutchess County Veterans Appreciation Day is open to all veterans and their families as well as the general public. For further information, please contact the Dutchess County Division of Veterans Services at 845-486-2060 or visit www.dutchessny.gov.
