The New York State Division of Veterans’ Services, the New York State Department of Health and the Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook University today announced a special day of commemoration of military service featuring World War II Veterans and their families residing in all five of New York State’s Veterans’ Homes. In honor and recognition of the 75th Anniversary of D-Day and OPERATION OVERLORD, the largest amphibious operation in military history.
The New York State Division of Veterans’ Services, in coordination with the New York State Department of Health, State University of New York and the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs, will sponsor commemorative events across the five facilities at 10:00 AM, June 6th, 2019, to honor the service of all World War II Veterans and their families. At each of the State Veterans’ Homes, every World War II Veteran will receive a Governor’s Proclamation commemorating this special day in American history, with select Veterans being presented with the New York State Medal for Merit for their participation in the Invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944 and World War II. Additionally, all World War II Veterans at the State Veterans’ Homes will receive a letter of gratitude for their service from the Director of the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services.
New York State Division of Veterans’ Services Director Jim McDonough said, "Today’s 75th anniversary of D-Day commemorative events are extremely important to our surviving World War II veterans and their families. At the time, it may have seemed like the world was riding upon the shoulders of America’s youth. Instead America’s youth was tasked with shouldering the immense burden of ensuring the freedom of the world as we knew it. I’m glad New York continues to recognize and honor our greatest generation as we are today.”
New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, “U.S. service members in World War II risked, and in many cases sacrificed, their lives to protect our freedoms, and now, 75 years after D-Day, it’s our job to make sure they continue to be honored as the heroes they are. Through initiatives like Health Across All Policies, Age-Friendly New York, and the Department’s operation of four State Veterans’ Homes that provide state-of-the-art, high-quality care in supportive and understanding environments, Governor Cuomo is ensuring that the Greatest Generation has the resources they need to remain active members of their communities throughout their Golden Years.” Long Island State
Veterans Home Executive Director Fred Sganga said, “For the past twenty-seven years, the Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook University has had the honor and privilege to have cared for this special generation of veterans. We will never forget the service and selfless sacrifice of so many soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen. Today, we thank all of our World War II veterans for their fortitude and perseverance seventy-five years ago – for answering the call, in order to make the world a safer place.”
New York Adjutant General, Major General Raymond Shields said, “The men and women of the New York National Guard who serve our state and nation are always inspired by the memory of the Soldiers who stormed ashore on Omaha and Utah beaches 75 years ago. Those who were young men then, risked everything to save the world from a brutal dictatorship. Those of us who serve today are proud to follow in their footsteps”
During World War II, over 3 million service members departed for their tours overseas from the Port of New York. Over 900,000 were New Yorkers who fought to protect and secure the rights and freedoms of all Americans. Over 43,000 New Yorkers made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our state and nation over the course of World War II.
The New York State Division of Veterans' Services
Under Governor Cuomo's administration, the New York State Division of Veterans' Services has filed over 27,000 claims for New York's Veterans and their families leading to the awarding of more than $254 million in tax-free federal Veterans' benefits.
Veterans who were injured on active duty may file a claim at any time for disability compensation. Certain disabilities are presumptively linked to a Veteran's prior status as a Prisoner of War. For information and free assistance regarding benefits and services for Veterans, Servicemembers and their families, please visit veterans.ny.gov and call 888-838- 7697 to schedule an appointment with a Veterans Benefits Advisor.
New York State Veterans’ Homes
The State Veterans Homes provide skilled nursing care and short-term rehabilitation to eligible veterans and their dependents. The care is resident-centered and individualized, with a full spectrum of support programs including memory care, social services, recreational activities, physical and occupational therapy and other rehabilitative services. Most importantly, our Greatest Generation of veterans have the freedom and convenience of a small community as well as the comforts of a home-like setting. The State Veterans Homes offer a quality of life which emphasizes privacy, encourages independence, provides comfort and security, and offers the companionship of other Veterans and families. More information about State Veterans Homes run by the Department of Health can be found here and about the Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook University here.
Honoring New York State's Military History Visitors to the Capitol may also be interested in touring the Vietnam Memorial Gallery and the memorials honoring those who served our country that are located throughout the Empire State Plaza Complex. Information on the Gallery can be found at https://vietnamgallery.ogs.ny.gov/ and memorials at https://ogs.ny.gov/ESP/ct/memorials/.
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