SPECIAL PROGRAMS ADMINISTERED BY THE DIVISION

In addition to our representation of veterans, dependents or survivors before the United States Department of Veterans Affairs a number of special programs are provided in the state promoting awareness of this distinguished group of West Virginians.

PROUD TO REMEMBER – PUT THE “MEMORIAL” BACK IN MEMORIAL DAY – Each year the Governor and Medal of Honor recipient lights a candle in a solemn memorial service memorializing those veterans killed in service. The candle burns in the State Capitol Rotunda during the Memorial Day weekend.

VALENTINES FOR HOSPITALIZED VETERANS – Each year the Governor encourages school children around the state to mail valentines to our hospitalized veterans in the four VA Medical Centers and West Virginia Veterans Home at Barboursville. The program has become a real uplift for our veterans on Valentines Day.

ANNUAL VETERANS SERVICE OFFICERS CONFERENCE – The division hosts, in conjunction with the US Department of Veterans Affairs and veterans organizations, a three day conference educating veterans on state and federal benefits available. National, state and local representatives participate as well as governmental officials.

GOVERNOR’S FLAG EDUCATION PROGRAM – The division prints and distributes instructional material to the veterans organizations around the state whereby subject organizations visit elementary schools educating fifth grade students on flag etiquette and history of the flag.

ANNUAL VETERANS DAY CEREMONIES – The division assists in developing recognition/awareness programs each year whereby residents from around the state recognize our veterans for their many military accomplishments.

VETERANS AWARENESS DAY BEFORE THE LEGISLATURE – The division coordinates each year with the Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee a special recognition day before the House and Senate.

PROCLAMATIONS ISSUED BY GOVERNOR – The division requests proclamations from the Governor for all holidays or observances whereby special recognition should be noted. Said proclamations request the citizens to pay special observances of the holiday, occasion, etc.

GOVERNORS MEMORIAL CERTICATE – The division prepares a memorial certificate for each deceased veteran, signed by the Governor, recognizing deceased veterans for service to state and nation.

Please note the aforementioned is an overview of some of the many programs the Division of Veterans Affairs sponsors in an effort to keep veterans programs visible in the State of West Virginia. I applaud the many veterans organizations for their assistance in this endeavor.