Cape May County 2018 Veterans Day Offers Free Ferry Rides And Restaurant Discounts For Military Personnel

Cape May County honored its military community with special offers during Veterans Day 2018, providing free and discounted services to active duty personnel, veterans, and their families. The region, which has one of the highest veteran populations in New Jersey at nearly 9%, recognized service members with complimentary ferry rides, restaurant discounts, and extended appreciation throughout November. These offers reflected Cape May's deep connections to the military community, including the presence of the USCG training center and numerous veteran employees at local businesses.

Cape May-Lewes Ferry Veterans Day Offers

The Cape May-Lewes Ferry, operated by the Delaware River and Bay Authority, implemented a comprehensive military appreciation program for Veterans Day 2018. On November 11, 2018, all active military and veterans with valid identification were eligible for free, round-trip foot passenger travel on the ferry. For those traveling with vehicles, standard rates applied with a $14 discount for round-trip service. These special Veterans Day rates were valid only on November 11 and could not be combined with other discounts or promotions.

Beyond the single day of free travel, the ferry extended its appreciation throughout November 2018. All active or retired military personnel who used the ferry service during November received an emailed discount voucher before the end of the year. This voucher was worth $11 off any future travel aboard the Ferry through May 31, 2019. A valid military ID was required to receive the discount voucher.

Military personnel and veterans also received ongoing benefits at the ferry terminals and aboard vessels. These included a free cup of coffee or fountain soda plus 11% off any food or retail purchases. These year-round military discounts complemented the special November offers, providing consistent value to service members.

The ferry's military appreciation initiatives had deep personal significance for many employees. According to Heath Gehrke, Director of Ferry Operations, many ferry employees are veterans and reserve military from all branches. "The Ferry is one of the main ways that veterans and active military travel to Washington, D.C. for ceremonies and events," Gehrke explained. "Veterans Day is an important holiday to us and we hope we can make the journey just a bit easier for those who have served."

Terry Anstead, Customer Service Manager, noted that the ferry decided to dedicate the entire month to Veteran's Appreciation rather than just one day. "We realize that May is typically Veterans Appreciation Month, but we are expanding that notion to include November," Anstead said. This approach allowed the ferry to extend its gratitude beyond a single day and recognize military service throughout the month.

The ferry's commitment to the military community was further demonstrated by its operational history and impact. Having carried more than 43 million passengers since its inception on July 1, 1964, the service had become an important transportation link for military personnel traveling to and from the region. The ferry's homeport in Cape May, which is also home to the USCG training center, created natural connections to military service members and their families.

Cape Resorts Restaurant Discounts

Cape Resorts joined the Veterans Day appreciation efforts by launching a military discount program at its acclaimed Cape May restaurants, beginning on November 11, 2018. Four participating restaurants offered a 15% discount on all food purchases to military personnel who presented a valid military ID along with their dining companions. The participating establishments included The Ebbitt Room, Rusty Nail, Blue Pig Tavern, and Boiler Room.

The discount applied specifically to food purchases and could not be combined with any other offers or discounts available at the restaurants. This limitation ensured clarity and simplicity in the implementation of the promotion while still providing meaningful savings to service members and their guests.

Curtis Bashaw, Managing Partner of Cape Resorts, explained the motivation behind the initiative: "It's a small way to be able to say thank you and give back to those who give so much," Bashaw said. "These men and women serve our country with pride and it would be an honor to serve them a great meal that they can enjoy with loved ones."

The location of Cape May, with the United States Coast Guard Academy just a couple of miles away, created strong military ties in the community. Cape Resorts expressed enthusiasm about supporting those who serve with their friends and family through this dining discount program. The initiative reflected a broader community effort to recognize and appreciate military service members during Veterans Day and beyond.

Cape May County Veterans Services

Beyond the special offers from local businesses, Cape May County provides comprehensive support to veterans through its Division of Veterans' Services. Established shortly after World War II by the Cape May County Board of County Commissioners, the division aims to aid and assist veterans, widows, and their families by eliminating the need to travel long distances to obtain veterans' benefits and assistance.

The division offers support with a wide range of benefits and services, including: - Disability Compensation - VA Veterans' Pension - VA Healthcare Services - Aide and Attendance - Requests for Discharge Paperwork - Surviving Spouse and Dependent Benefits - VA Life Insurance Claims - Burial Benefits - NJ Income Tax Deduction - NJ Property Tax Reduction or Exemptions - NJ Disabled Veteran License Plates - NJ Disabled Veteran Placard - Replacement Medals and Records

Additionally, the Division of Veterans' Services administers the CMC Veterans' Cemetery, including pre-registrations, and disburses information from both the State of New Jersey and the Federal Government to veterans and their families. The division also maintains information about local establishments that offer military and veteran discounts, helping service members identify additional savings opportunities in the community.

The division participates in various community events and ceremonies, including: - Facilitating the County Memorial Day Ceremony at the CMC Veterans' Cemetery - Facilitating the County Veterans' Day Ceremony at Naval Air Station Wildwood at the Cape May Airport - Facilitating the Wreaths Across America Ceremony in conjunction with CMC Board of Chosen Freeholders and the CMC Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol - Participating in various community outreach programs and presentations as requested - Providing referral services to governmental organizations and non-governmental agencies that assist veterans and their families

These comprehensive services demonstrate Cape May County's ongoing commitment to supporting its veteran population beyond the special promotions offered during Veterans Day.

Military Presence in Cape May County

Cape May County has one of the highest veteran populations in New Jersey, with veterans making up nearly 9% of the county's population. According to the Veterans Administration, more than 400,000 veterans live in New Jersey while 78,000 reside in Delaware—about 8% of that state's population. This significant military presence has shaped the community's identity and its approach to honoring service members.

The ferry service's connection to the military community extends beyond its passenger base. Many ferry employees are veterans and reserve military from all branches of service. The operation's homeport in Cape May, which is also home to the USCG training center, creates natural connections to military service members and their families.

According to ferry officials, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry serves as an important transportation link for military personnel traveling to Washington, D.C. for ceremonies and events. This role has made Veterans Day particularly significant to the ferry operation, as it provides a practical way to support those who have served while also recognizing their contributions to the country.

The high concentration of veterans in Cape May County has created a culture of appreciation and support for military service. Local businesses, government services, and community organizations have developed programs and initiatives specifically designed to recognize and assist veterans, as evidenced by the special offers and discounts provided during Veterans Day 2018.

Conclusion

Cape May County's Veterans Day 2018 offerings demonstrated a community-wide commitment to honoring and supporting its military population. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry provided free foot passenger travel on November 11, along with vehicle discounts and extended appreciation throughout November through discount vouchers. Cape Resorts restaurants complemented these efforts with 15% food discounts at four establishments. These offers, combined with the comprehensive services provided by the Cape May County Division of Veterans' Services, created a robust support system for service members and their families.

The special promotions reflected both the significant military presence in Cape May County and the personal connections many residents have to military service. With nearly 9% of its population being veterans, Cape May County has developed a culture of appreciation that extends beyond a single day of recognition to year-round support and benefits for those who have served.

Sources

1. Vets, Active Duty Military Ride Free on Cape May Lewes Ferry November 11
2. Cape Resorts Launches Military Discount at Acclaimed Restaurant Starting This Veterans Day
3. Ferry Thanks Military Community for Service to Nation
4. Division of Veterans Services