Hosted by the Delaware Department of Veterans Affairs and Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs, the ceremony is intended to recognize veterans from across Delaware and the generations of Americans whose military service has helped preserve the nation’s freedoms. created on 11/9 by using AI

Annual New Castle observance will focus on service and sacrifice, with Vietnam veteran who endured 406 days in captivity delivering keynote address

NEW CASTLE, Del. — Delawareans will gather Wednesday at the Delaware War Memorial Plaza to honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, with former Vietnam War prisoner of war Ralph Galati delivering the keynote address.

The annual Veterans Day ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 11 at the memorial plaza, 163 Cherry Lane in New Castle.

Hosted by the Delaware Department of Veterans Affairs and Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs, the ceremony is intended to recognize veterans from across Delaware and the generations of Americans whose military service has helped preserve the nation’s freedoms.

Galati brings to the ceremony a story of combat, captivity, resilience and decades of continued service to fellow veterans.

A Philadelphia-area native and graduate of St. Joseph’s University, Galati was commissioned into the U.S. Air Force in 1970 and earned his flight wings the following year. He became a weapons systems officer aboard the F-4 Phantom and served as a laser-guided bomb lead and forward air controller while stationed at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand.

On Feb. 16, 1972, Galati and his pilot were shot down over North Vietnam. Galati was captured and taken to Hanoi, where he remained a prisoner of war for 406 days.

He was released March 28, 1973, as part of Operation Homecoming, which returned hundreds of American prisoners of war from Southeast Asia.

Galati has described captivity as long periods of uncertainty and isolation punctuated by fear. During a 2014 visit to Dover Air Force Base, he told service members that training, faith, trust and reliance on fellow prisoners helped sustain him during his imprisonment.

His military decorations include the Silver Star, two Bronze Star Medals with Valor, two Purple Hearts, multiple Air Medals and the Prisoner of War Medal. His Silver Star recognized his actions as an F-4 weapons systems officer on the mission during which he was shot down.

After returning home, Galati continued serving in the Air Force as a flight instructor, curriculum developer and member of the Secretary of the Air Force’s legislative liaison staff at the Pentagon. He completed active duty in 1978 and later served in the Air Force Reserve.

His commitment to veterans continued long after his military career ended.

Galati spent 28 years with IBM before retiring in 2007. He later served as veterans liaison for Delaware County, Pennsylvania, and founded the Office of Veterans Services at St. Joseph’s University, where programs included assistance and entrepreneurship training for veterans. He remains involved with veterans organizations, including the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association.

His appearance in New Castle comes more than half a century after his captivity and provides a personal connection to the purpose of Veterans Day: remembering not only those who fought in America’s wars, but everyone who accepted the obligations and risks that come with military service.

Veterans Day traces its roots to the end of World War I, when fighting stopped at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Originally observed as Armistice Day, the holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to honor American veterans of all wars and all eras of service.

Unlike Memorial Day, which specifically honors those who died while serving the country, Veterans Day recognizes all who have served in the nation’s armed forces.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs describes the purpose of the day as honoring veterans for their patriotism, service and willingness to sacrifice for the common good.

Wednesday’s ceremony will include state and federal officials, but its central focus will be Delaware’s veterans and the experiences represented by Galati and other former service members in attendance.

The Delaware Department of Veterans Affairs and Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs also work year-round to help veterans and their families obtain benefits and services, including disability compensation, employment and housing assistance.

TO GO

• What: Delaware Veterans Day Ceremony
• When: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11
• Where: Delaware War Memorial Plaza, 163 Cherry Lane, New Castle
• Keynote speaker: Retired U.S. Air Force Capt. Ralph Galati, Vietnam War veteran and former prisoner of war
• Who may attend: Veterans, military families and members of the public
• Learn more: Delaware Department of Veterans Affairs

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