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By Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone

One hundred years ago – on November 11, 1919 – the United States marked the first Armistice Day, which became Veterans Day in the 1950s. As Veterans Day approaches this year and we prepare to remember and celebrate those who have served in the military, it’s also a good opportunity to reflect on how we support them and their families throughout the year.

This year, Somerville is holding two events to recognize and honor our veterans.

Fourteen veterans will be recognized for their service at the Somerville Heroes Salute, including eight World War II veterans, two Vietnam veterans, this year’s Somerville Police and Fire Veterans of the Year, and our first inductee to the Iraq/Afghanistan Hall of Fame. Bishop Henry A. Moultrie II is the recipient of this year’s Somerville Profile in Courage Award. Along with being a Vietnam veteran, Bishop Moultrie recently retired after 45 years as the pastor and founder of the Mission Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Somerville. This year’s Heroes Salute is on Saturday, November 9, at 11 a.m., at the Holiday Inn, 30 Washington St. If you’re interested in attending, please RSVP with Veterans’ Services at 617-625-6600 ext. 4700.

On Veterans Day – Monday, November 11 – we’ll be joining the Dilboy VFW Post 529 for the annual Veterans Day Ceremony to reflect on and celebrate the dedication and contributions of our veterans. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. at the Dilboy Post, 351 Summer St.

These two events give the community an opportunity to publicly thank veterans and celebrate their service, and I hope you’re able to attend one or both this year. But it’s also important to remember that we need to support our veterans and their families not just on Veterans Day or Memorial Day, but throughout the year.

One of the ways we provide services and support to veterans and their families is through the Department of Veterans’ Services. They can help with things like accessing benefits, navigating the Veterans Affairs (VA) system, and providing referrals to other resources. Veterans’ Services also connects with local veterans and looks at new ways to engage with this changing population.

While many veterans and their families are entitled to various benefits, applying for them can be challenging. One of the core functions of the Department of Veterans’ Services is to advocate for veterans and ensure they’re able to access the aid and benefits they have earned. From 2013 through 2018, Veterans’ Services helped 389 income-eligible veterans or their family members file for financial aid from the state and assisted with 265 VA claims. Veterans’ Services has also helped connect veterans with employment and housing opportunities.

To better meet veterans’ needs, we look to data to understand who are veterans are and what programs and resources would be helpful. Unfortunately, we know the information we have on veterans in Somerville is incomplete. According to self-reporting on last year’s City census, Somerville is home to just over 1,000 veterans, but based on national census estimates, we believe that number is more likely between 1,500 and 2,000. Comparing local and national data has shown us that one reason for this discrepancy is that younger veterans aren’t checking that box when they fill out their City census. If you’re a veteran, please let us know on next year’s City census. The more information we have, the better we’ll be able to serve you.

It’s important that we set aside time each November to remember, honor, and celebrate veterans and to thank them for the sacrifices they and their families have made. But it’s also important for us to show our gratitude year-round by making sure veterans have access to benefits and opportunities they have earned.