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   70 years ago today, 160,000 brave Allied soldiers invaded the five landing beaches along the coast of Normandy, France as part of Operation Overlord during World War II. We know this day as D-Day. The sacrifice of all who served is why we enjoy the freedoms we have today. I have included a video of Ronald Reagan reflecting on the importance of serving our country.

The American Cemetery in Normandy that we visited.

   Mark & I had the honor of visiting the Normandy Landing Beaches and seeing first hand this important historical site. It was a breathtaking experience, and it filled me with pride to see the resourcefulness of Americans to succeed no matter what force stands in our way.

View from Point-du-hoc

   Our World War II veterans put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms and liberties. We must never forget our Veterans and should take a moment today to reflect on the lives lost on this day 70years ago.

Mark and Susan at Omaha Beach

Please take a moment to watch this great video of Ronald Reagan speaking about patriotism and service to our country, and share it with your friends and family after you have watched it:

Upcoming Community Events:

* The New Windsor Fire Department Carnival will run from Monday, June 2 to Saturday, June 7, 2014. The Firemen's Parade will take place on Wednesday, June 4th at 7 PM.

* The Taneytown Volunteer Fire Company Carnival will run from  Monday, June 9 to Saturday, June 14, 2014.

* The Sykesville Freedom District Firemen's Carnival will run from Monday, June 16 to Saturday, June 21, 2014.

Important Program for Personnel Separating from Military Service

Carroll County Government Press Release

Westminster, Monday, June 2, 2014 - Mr. Jeffrey Collins, Carroll County's Veterans Service Coordinator, wants area veterans to know that his assistance is available to help track the progress of claims filed with the Veterans Administration even those filed before their release from active duty.

There is a program is called Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) which allows injured soldiers to file for a disability rating decision before or immediately after leaving active duty. After determining the rating, the Veterans Administration need only provide the proper benefit payments at the service person's discharge. This program cuts months and sometimes years off the arduous task of later applying for and receiving disability benefits.

Unfortunately, even this program has been cut and is not functioning as smoothly and quickly as it was intended. It can take over 24 months after the veteran has been discharged from active duty before a disability rating is obtained and benefits awarded.

Mr. Collins can help veterans navigate their way through this program with proper completion of forms and careful monitoring of the claims once filed. So if you are or you know a military member who is close to their discharge date and has suffered a service related injury, remind them about this program and suggest they contact Mr. Collins. He can be reached by phone at 410-386-3812 or email at [email protected] 

Carroll County Government is committed to helping our military personnel both active and retired; the BDD program is just one of the many programs and services offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs for which a service person may be eligible. If you have questions regarding your eligibility please call or email Mr. Collins.