As communities across Adams County prepare for Memorial Day parades, ceremonies, and gatherings, local veterans advocate Stan Clark hopes residents will take time to remember the true purpose behind the national holiday.
Clark, Director of Veterans Affairs for the Adams County Office of Veterans Affairs, explained that “Memorial Day is much more than the unofficial start of summer or day when people open their pools.” “Memorial Day is a solemn and patriotic holiday where we honor and respect our fallen veterans,” Clark said. “Sometimes people mix it up with Veterans Day, but Memorial Day is specifically about remembering those who gave their lives in service to our country.”
The Adams County Office of Veterans Affairs is located in the Court House at 117 Baltimore Street, Room 106, in Gettysburg. Approximately 6,500 to 7,000 veterans are served throughout the county at this office.
Clark noted that veterans today often face pressing medical, housing, and transportation needs, especially when it comes to attending medical appointments. He mentioned that even the general population in Adams County has difficulty finding affordable homes to rent or buy. Clark said, “A local resource helping the current housing problem is Luminest. It’s very exiting. It’s currently being built. They offer affordable housing with rental fees which include utilities.” Veterans are given preference when applying for Luminest at North Ridge in Gettysburg. For more information, visit luminest.org or call 717.977.3900.
While Adams County is considered a smaller and more rural area, Clark explained that veterans still have relatively close access to covered healthcare services through VA facilities located in Lebanon, Martinsburg, and Baltimore. “Those are full scale hospitals.” “Outpatient services are also available in York, Mechanicsburg, Hagerstown, and Frederick.” “One benefit that veterans may not realize is an initiative called Community Care.” Clark said, “The program may allow for a veteran to see a local specialty doctor for a condition caused by, for example Agent Orange used in Vietnam.” “We have a pretty good system in place,” he added.
Clark further explained that many people are unaware of the wide range of benefits available through the VA beyond healthcare.“VA benefits can include guaranteed home loans, educational benefits, and burial benefits for spouses and dependents at the National Cemetery,” he explained. “People are always welcome to contact our office for help accessing benefits. They can call and ask questions or schedule an appointment. Veterans can access information on va.gov. They are welcome to set up an appointment to get help with filling out the forms.”
Memorial Day events will once again take place throughout Adams County and surrounding communities. Clark highlighted several upcoming observances, including the Memorial Day program at Evergreen Cemetery in the Veterans Section in Gettysburg beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Memorial Day. The annual Gettysburg Memorial Day Parade, is the largest Memorial Day event in the county. While many attend the parade, Clark pointed out that fewer attendees go to the Cemetery unfortunately.
Many smaller communities also host meaningful ceremonies and parades, allowing residents the opportunity to attend several events throughout the end of May. Communities such as Littlestown, Bendersville, Mount Tabor, Biglerville, and Wenksville continue their longstanding traditions of honoring fallen service members. Clark pointed out that East Berlin has a parade and that every year York Springs hosts a meaning tribute but it’s the same day a Gettysburg’s Service, held on Memorial Day.
While Clark cannot accept volunteers at his office due to privacy issues, he encourages community members to consider volunteering with local veterans organizations, including Roots for Boots, Wounded Warriors, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion, and AMVETS. One very important local need, he emphasized, is for younger volunteers to join the Honor Guard. “Only fewer younger people step up. We need more people to keep this tradition going otherwise it’ll be gone and people will miss it.” The general population as well as veterans are also welcome to join the Veterans Advocate Network which newly joined as a Task Force with Healthy Adams County. The next meeting will be held on July 15, 2026. To learn more or to receive an email invitation, email Samantha Cossman at scossman@pa.gov.
In addition to considering volunteering, Clark also advises people to consider donating funds to veteran focused organizations. He also stressed the importance to be respectful and mindful of veterans throughout the year. “Each veteran is unique in his or her own way. Some may like to be thanked for their service while others may be embarrassed.”
Clark, who has served as the Adams County VA Director for the past 13 years, said helping veterans remains deeply rewarding.“It’s a fulfilling job.” “I get to help veterans receive the benefits that they have earned and deserve through their service.”
Stan Clark can be reached at: 717.337.9835 or by emailing: sclark@adamscountypa.gov