DUTCHESS COUNTY EXECUTIVE SUE SERINO ANNOUNCES NEW HONOR-A-VETERAN PROGRAM
Program to Recognize Deceased Veterans for Their Service; Applications Now Open

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino is proud to announce the creation of the Dutchess County Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony, a new program dedicated to honoring deceased veterans for their service to our nation and community. Family, friends, and community members are encouraged to nominate a veteran to be recognized through this meaningful ceremony.

“Through the Honor-A-Veteran program, we are privileged to pay tribute to the men and women who selflessly served our country and made lasting contributions to their communities,” said Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino. “This program reflects our deep appreciation for our veterans and ensures their legacies live on in the hearts of our community.”

The Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. on the third Thursday of each month, from April to November, at either the Dutchess County Office Building at 22 Market Street in Poughkeepsie or the town, city, or village hall of the municipality where the honored veteran resided.

To be eligible, veterans must meet the following criteria:

• Deceased for at least 30 days;
• Served in the United States Armed Forces with an honorable discharge, listed as missing in action, or died while serving in the military;
• Wartime and peacetime service is eligible, with no specific service dates or length-of-service requirements.

During each ceremony, the individual who submitted the application, or their designee, will receive an American flag that will be flown outside the County Office Building for 30 days in the veteran’s honor. Afterward, the flag will be professionally cleaned and returned to the next of kin.

Adam Roche, Director of the Office for Veteran Affairs, said, “Our veterans dedicated their lives to protecting our freedoms, and it is our duty to ensure their service is never forgotten. This program allows families and our community to come together to recognize and honor those who gave so much. We encourage anyone who has lost a veteran to consider participating in this meaningful tribute.”

Applications for the program are available online at dutchessny.gov/HonorAVeteran or in person at the Dutchess County Office of Veterans Affairs, located at 1335 Route 44, Pleasant Valley, NY 12569. Completed applications can be submitted via email to veterans@dutchessny.gov or returned to the Office of Veterans Affairs.

All submitted applications must be accompanied by a copy of the veteran’s military separation papers (DD-214, WD AGO 53-55, NBG-22 or report of casualty), obituary, and death certificate.

For questions or additional information, please contact the Dutchess County Office of Veterans Affairs at 845-486-2060.