Applications are being accepted for the 19th Warren County Veterans Recognition Ceremony to be held on Saturday, July 11 at the Warren County War Memorial in Belvidere, NJ.

The Warren County Board of County Commissioners will join the Warren County War Memorial Corporation to honor the county’s eligible wartime veterans. The public is welcome to attend the 11 a.m. outdoor ceremony.

The deadline to apply is June 26, 2026 and applications are available for download on the Warren County Veterans Recognition Program website at www.warrencountynjveterans.com. Family members may apply on behalf of a veteran, living or deceased.

The program will feature the presentation of the Warren County Distinguished Military Service medal to veterans who served during wartime. County Commissioner Director Lori Ciesla and Commissioners James R. Kern III and Jason J. Sarnoski will present a medal, certificate and pin to veterans who have been approved and invited to attend.

The tentative program will include the following:

• A proclamation from the County Commissioners highlighting the 250th anniversary of our nation, the story of Dr. Joseph Warren (Warren County’s namesake), and a brief history of our country.
• Presentation of the Distinguished Military Service award.
• Playing of the service songs for each branch of the military.
• Presentation of Quilts of Valor made by members of the Evening Star Quilting Guild to veterans John Depatto, Thomas Devlin, Arthur Ellis, Jr. and Carl Timberman.
• Musician Doug Grunn playing the Band of Brothers theme song and songs performed by the Colonial Musketeers senior ancient fife and drum corps.
• Singing of the National Anthem by Lily and Grace Duckworth

Seating will be provided for each Veteran receiving the Warren County Distinguished Military Service award and for one person accompanying them. All other attendees are invited to bring lawn chairs to enjoy the ceremony, as a limited number of extra chairs will be available. 

The Warren County War Memorial is located next to the Warren County Courthouse at the corner of Second and Mansfield Streets in Belvidere, NJ.

Since the program’s inception in 2003, a total of 2,265 men and women who have worn the uniform in the United States military during times of conflict have been awarded the medal.

Learn more about Warren County’s Veterans Recognition Program at www.warrencountynjveterans.com/about-the-award. Questions about the program may be directed to the county’s Veterans Services Officer, Jacqueline Petersen, MSgt, USAF (Retired) by calling toll-free: 877-222-3737.