Veterans (Memorials & Recognition)

House Concurrent Resolution 53 officially recognizes May 17, 2025, as "Armed Forces Day" in the state of Delaware. This resolution serves to honor and acknowledge the service of the United States Armed Forces.

This resolution designates December 6, 2025, as "Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans Recognition Day" within Delaware. It formally honors veterans who served in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars through a state-level observance. The bill does not create new laws or policies, but rather establishes an annual date for recognition. It affects Delaware's official calendar and state government activities, not specific individuals or programs.

SCR 99 designates June 12, 2025, as "Women Veterans Recognition Day" in Delaware through a symbolic resolution. This Senate Concurrent Resolution does not create new laws or provide funding; it solely serves to honor women veterans publicly. The bill directly affects Delaware residents by designating a specific day for recognition, though it has no direct legal or financial impact on veterans. It is a ceremonial measure to acknowledge the service of women veterans within the state.

This Act establishes a new state-level Department of Veterans Affairs led by a cabinet-level Secretary to advocate for and administer programs relating to veterans in the State of Delaware. It is the intent of this legislation that current staff of the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs and the Office of Veterans Affairs will continue their work, but as part of the new Department of Veterans Affairs, with the potential for expanded staff and duties in accordance with annual appropriations. The Department will hire veterans wherever possible. The Commission of Veterans Affairs will continue in its current form. It will continue to oversee the Delaware Veterans Home and will serve in an advisory role to the new Secretary and Department on other matters relating to veterans. The new Department is tasked with developing and proposing strategies for the provision of alternative elder care or the establishment of one or more additional veterans homes to serve the aging veteran population. House Substitute No. 1 to House Bill No. 1 differs from the original in that the Department of Veterans Affairs will for the present remain a part of the Department of State for budgetary, administrative, and operational purposes. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with other executive branch officials, is directed to develop a transition plan to separate from the Department of State and operate as a separate Department by July 1, 2030, or such time as there will be no negative impacts to the funding for veterans programs in Delaware. The plan must be presented to the General Assembly as a Transition Report and approved through a concurrent resolution.