Commission for Veterans & Military Families

About the Commission

Established in 2011 by County legislation, the Commission is comprised of 13 members, and created to support veterans and military families by strengthening Howard County’s capacity to care for them. By connecting them to available resources, promoting educational and employment opportunities, and continuing community outreach efforts, we are committed to honoring our veteran and military families.

View the Commission's 2023 Annual Report

2024 Veterans Day Parade

Sunday, November 10, 2024
Downtown Columbia
Parade starts at 9:30 a.m.
Ceremony: Immediately Following Parade

Join us for the 10th annual Howard County Veterans Day Parade & Celebration. Each year, the parade is an opportunity to celebrate our county’s Veterans and honor their profound dedication and service to our country.

Learn more about the 2024 parade

Marchers in the 2022 Veterans Day Parade

Handmade with Love graphic - knit or crochet for benefits

The Howard County Office of Veterans and Military Families is collecting handknit or crocheted SCARVES and HATS to include in care packages for military members. Drop off your handmade items no later than Monday, November 4, at a participating location. To save on shipping costs, please do not place donations in individual bags. For full details and drop-off locations, view the flier or call Lisa Terry at 410-313-0821.

Flag Day Ceremony honors 7,149th American Flag Retirement

On Flag Day June 14, 2024, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution placed the 7,149th flag in the Alpha Ridge Landfill flag retirement container since its installation on Veterans Day 2015. If you have a tattered flag, you too, can retire it. For more information, visit the Alpha Ridge residents' convenience center website.

Learn about proper flag retirement

A woman places a flag in the flag retirement container at the Alhpa Ridge Landfill as a veteran looks on.

Commission Information

Meeting Schedule

Commission meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. with the exception of July and August. The meetings are currently being held virtually, but when in-person meetings resume, we will meet at the Department of Community Resources and Services, 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia, MD 21046. Meetings are open to the public; if you wish to attend, email lbterry@howardcountymd.gov.