Delaware veterans meet at Legislative Hall for bipartisan event

DOVER — Veterans from Lewes to Wilmington came together at Legislative Hall on March 28, for “We the Veterans Day.” The event, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., was proposed by Rep. Jeff Hilovsky, R-Long Neck, and supported by legislators across the aisle, including Sen. Dave Lawson R-Marydel, who invited fellow Vietnam veterans in recognition of the annual Vietnam Veterans Day, marking the 49th anniversary of American withdrawal from that nation.

The morning began with a tent on Legislative Mall offering coffee and sandwiches, funded by veterans organizations and businesses.

The intent was to encourage veterans statewide to join and socialize in common bond, “boots aligned in the same direction,” and advocate for issues affecting all generations of Delaware’s 70,000 veterans and their families.

About 150 veterans made the trip, some setting up appointments with their legislators. Meetings with leaders of veterans organizations across the state, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America, Military Officers Association of America, National Council of Black Veterans, Purple Heart Veterans, and the Delaware National Guard, affirmed the need for the governor’s appointment of a Secretary of Veterans Affairs to consolidate the resources, talent, leadership, high tech skills and federal money veterans bring to Delaware.

“Our benefits are neither a gift, nor a handout….they are earned,” said Rep. Hilovsky.