Veterans Day 2018 in Cape May County, New Jersey, presented a variety of free offers and discounts specifically for active military personnel and veterans. These promotions were concentrated in transportation services and local dining establishments, with additional support available through county-level veterans' services. The primary offers were centered around the Cape May-Lewes Ferry and Cape Resorts restaurants, providing both one-day specials and extended appreciation benefits throughout the month of November.
Cape May-Lewes Ferry Veterans Day Offerings
The Delaware River and Bay Authority operated Cape May-Lewes Ferry provided multiple benefits for military personnel and veterans during November 2018. The centerpiece was a free travel promotion valid specifically on Veterans Day, November 11, 2018.
Veterans Day Free Travel
On Sunday, November 11, 2018, all active military personnel and veterans were eligible for free, round-trip foot passenger travel on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. This offer required presentation of a valid military ID. For those traveling with a vehicle, standard rates applied, but a $14 discount was available for round-trip vehicle travel on that date. These discounted rates were valid only on November 11, 2018, and could not be combined with other discounts or promotions.
Extended November Benefits
Ferry officials designated the entire month of November 2018 as a Veterans Appreciation period. All active or retired military personnel who used the ferry service during November 2018 would receive an emailed discount voucher before the end of the year. This voucher was valued at $11 off any future travel aboard the ferry through May 31, 2019. A valid military ID was required to receive this discount voucher.
Additional Day-to-Day Perks
In addition to the Veterans Day special, military personnel and veterans received a free cup of coffee or fountain soda plus 11% off any food or retail purchases in either terminal or aboard a ferry vessel. These benefits were available year-round, with the ferry offering military discounts every day.
Ferry Operations and Military Connections
Heath Gehrke, Director of Ferry Operations, noted that many ferry employees are veterans and reserve military personnel from all branches. The operation's homeport of Cape May is also home to the USCG training center. Gehrke stated that the ferry is one of the main ways that veterans and active military travel to Cape May for ceremonies and events, and that Veterans Day is an important holiday for the ferry service.
According to the Veterans Administration, more than 400,000 veterans lived in New Jersey while 78,000 resided in Delaware, representing about 8% of Delaware's population. In Cape May County specifically, veterans made up nearly 9% of the population, one of the highest rates in the state.
Cape Resorts Restaurant Military Discount
Beginning on Veterans Day 2018, Cape Resorts restaurants in Cape May offered a 15% military discount on all food at four specific restaurants: The Ebbitt Room, Rusty Nail, Blue Pig Tavern, and Boiler Room.
Discount Details and Eligibility
The 15% discount applied to food only and required presentation of a valid military ID. The discount was extended to the military member's dining companions as well. This offer could not be combined with any other offers or discounts.
Restaurant Context
Cape Resorts cited the proximity of the United States Coast Guard Academy, located just a couple of miles away, as part of their motivation for offering this discount. Curtis Bashaw, Managing Partner of Cape Resorts, described the discount as "a small way to be able to say thank you and give back to those who give so much," emphasizing the desire to serve great meals to military personnel and their loved ones.
Cape May County Veterans Services
The Cape May County Division of Veterans' Services provides comprehensive assistance to countywide veterans, eliminating the need for long-distance travel to obtain veterans' benefits and program information.
Available Benefits and Services
The Division assists veterans, widows, and their families with applying for numerous federal and state benefits, 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
Community Ceremonies and Outreach
The Division also administers several community ceremonies and outreach programs: - Administers the CMC Veterans' Cemetery, including pre-registrations - Disburses Veterans' and Family information from both State of NJ and Federal Government - Disburses information about local establishments offering Military and Veteran Discounts - Facilitates the County Memorial Day Ceremony at the CMC Veterans' Cemetery - Facilitates the County Veterans' Day Ceremony at Naval Air Station Wildwood at the Cape May Airport - Facilitates the Wreaths Across America Ceremony in conjunction with CMC Board of Chosen Freeholders and the CMC Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol - Participates in various community outreach programs and presentations as requested
Historical Context
The Cape May County Veterans' Bureau was established shortly after World War II by the Cape May County Board of County Commissioners to aid and assist veterans, widows, and their families.
Summary of 2018 Veterans Day Offers
The Veterans Day 2018 period in Cape May County provided tangible benefits for military personnel and veterans through coordinated efforts between transportation services, hospitality businesses, and county government. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry offered free passenger travel on November 11 plus extended benefits throughout November, while Cape Resorts restaurants provided a 15% food discount. These commercial offers complemented the year-round support services available through the Cape May County Division of Veterans' Services, which assists with benefits applications and community ceremonies.
The concentration of offers reflects Cape May County's significant veteran population, which at nearly 9% of the county's total population, represents one of the highest veteran population densities in New Jersey. This demographic reality, combined with the area's military connections including the USCG training center and proximity to the United States Coast Guard Academy, created a supportive environment for military appreciation initiatives.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2018 in Cape May County offered a focused collection of freebies and discounts for active military personnel and veterans, primarily through transportation and dining benefits. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry provided free foot passenger travel on November 11, 2018, plus extended $11 vouchers for future travel and daily 11% food discounts. Cape Resorts restaurants offered a 15% food discount at four locations. These commercial benefits were supported by comprehensive year-round veterans' services through the Cape May County Division of Veterans' Services, which provides benefits assistance and organizes community ceremonies. The offers were particularly relevant given Cape May County's veteran population density of nearly 9%, one of the highest rates in New Jersey.