PRESS RELEASES

For Immediate Release

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Atlantic County Creates Veterans Service Medal to Honor Its Military Heroes

Atlantic County will honor its veterans for their sacrifice and service with the presentation of a newly created Atlantic County Veterans Service Medal.

"The Atlantic County Veterans Service Medal recognizes residents, living and deceased, who served their country in military service," explained Dennis Levinson, County Executive. "These individuals are local heroes and should be recognized as such. It is yet another way in which we can express our appreciation."

In 2002, Levinson presented the county's military service publication, "Called to Duty: Recollections of Atlantic County Veterans," which featured more than 300 personal accounts and photographs of county military veterans. Two years earlier Levinson presented over 180 World War II veterans with the Normandy Medal of Honor, created by the Federation of French War Veterans as a tribute to those who participated in the Allied invasion of Normandy.

More recently Levinson urged the governor to veto legislation that would have eliminated a mandate requiring schools to include instruction for Veterans Day and Memorial Day in addition to several other federal holidays.

"Our goal in honoring our veterans is to ensure that they are never forgotten. They represent America's history through its struggles for independence and the preservation of freedom."

The county will now begin accepting applications for the new veterans medal. Applications are available on the county Web site at www.aclink.org/veterans as well as in the county's library branches, nutrition centers and Office of Veterans Services, 6601 Ventnor Avenue, Ventnor.

Levinson said he plans to present the medals to eligible veterans or their next of kin at a public ceremony in June, 2007. The exact date and location will be confirmed shortly. Those who would like to participate will need to submit their application by May 1. All others may receive their medals by mail upon approval of their applications. No medals will be distributed prior to the public ceremony in June.

Relatives or friends of the veteran may apply for the medal on the veteran's behalf. However, medals will only be presented to the veterans or veteran's next of kin. Only one medal per veteran will be issued.

The medals are being produced by Schoppy, Inc. in Linwood.

Levinson acknowledged the members of the Atlantic County Veterans Advisory Board for their contribution to this effort and their continued interest in providing services for veterans.

For more information, please contact Howard J. Kyle, Chief of staff, at (609) 343-2368.

CLICK HERE for the Veterans Services Homepage