Honoring Our Lehigh Valley Veterans

This Veterans Day, we’re honoring those who have served throughout Lehigh Valley.

What is Veterans Day?

Veterans Day was originally named Armistice Day, as proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson on November 11, 1919, a year after World War I ended. He said:

“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service…”

Seven years later, in June of 1926, Congress came together to officially recognize the end of World War I and pass a resolution to mark November 11, 1918, as the end date. In 1938, the 11^th day of November of each year officially became known as Armistice Day. This was amended in 1954 to change “Armistice” to “Veterans” to honor American Veterans of all wars.

Now, we continue to honor our Veterans on this day and year-round by helping them age independently where they love to live. To show our appreciation, we’ve pulled together some resources made to support Veterans throughout our community in Lehigh Valley.

Lehigh County Office of Veterans Affairs

The Lehigh County Office of Veterans Affairs assists Veterans and their families with benefits like service-connected disabilities, pensions and gratuities, emergency financial assistance, and burials. On their website, you can find information like:

• Burial Benefit Forms: Submit claims for government headstones, markers, and medallions for cemetery placement. Also, apply for gratuity for Veterans and their spouses, or for headstones
• Resources: Request military documents or visit the Veterans Crisis Line

If you or a Veteran you know is experiencing a crisis, you can also contact the Veterans Crisis Line when you call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1.

Northampton County Office of Veterans Affairs

The Northampton County Office of Veterans Affairs serves local Veterans and their families. Veterans can apply for an I.D. card to prove Veteran status in Northampton County at no cost. Here are some of their other offerings:

• Burial and Memorial Information: Find funeral and burial allowances for honorably discharged Veterans and their widows, provision of headstones, flags, and bronze markers for Memorial Day observances
• Benefits and Discounts: Record discharge dates, apply for health benefits, and learn about emergency fund options from Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA)

VA Clinics Around Lehigh Valley

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has a feature on their website to locate nearby VA Clinics. You can find in-network community care providers or same-day care options for minor illnesses and injuries. Here are some VA Clinics located in Lehigh Valley:

• The Allentown VA Clinic is located at 3110 Hamilton Boulevard in Allentown. They are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Access services like amputation care, blind and low vision rehabilitation, Homeless Veteran care, dietary care, and so much more.
• Cedar Crest Boulevard VA Clinic, located at 1605 North Cedar Crest Boulevard, Roma Corporate Center, Suite 410 in Allentown, is also open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This clinic specializes in addiction and substance use care as well as mental and behavioral health.

Griswold Is Here for Our Veterans

We are deeply grateful to all the Veterans living in our community. From Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and the surrounding Lehigh Valley region. We’re proud to support our Veterans through compassionate in-home care services like Personal Care and Veterans Care. With Veterans Care, we can help you obtain VA medical benefits that may help pay for our services. If you’re interested in learning more, give us a call today!