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From the Desk of the County Manager, November 6, 2026

Durham County Honors Our Veterans
November 5, 2026

Greetings, Durham!

Veterans in Durham are leaders throughout our community, and their service secures the liberties we enjoy each day. The contributions of the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces are priceless. Durham County salutes you for serving bravely in defense of our country and our freedom.

Many of our neighbors have served in the military branches of service. Nearly 13,900 veterans live in Durham County, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020-2024 American Community Survey. This is about 5.3 percent of our population. Our commitment to them includes Durham County Veteran Services, which connects veterans and their families with the local, state, and federal benefits they have earned. The department is led by Director Linzie Atkins, a Marine Corps veteran of Operation Desert Storm. Its accredited Veteran Services Officers help residents file and track claims for disability compensation, pension, and survivor benefits, among other services. They also help families apply for burial flags, headstones, and markers, and help veterans with employment, home loan and housing assistance. The office is at 201 N. Roxboro Street and can be reached at 919-560-VETS (8387) or veteranservices@dconc.gov.

“This Veterans Day, Durham County stands united in gratitude for the brave men and women who answered our nation’s call to secure and advance the promise of freedom,” said Atkins. “Their courage reminds us that service does not end with the uniform, but lives on in the strength of our families, the spirit of our neighborhoods, and the future we build together. Together we honor our veterans not only with our words today, but through our commitment to listen, to serve, and to stand beside them every day. To all who have served: your legacy inspires us, your sacrifice strengthens us, and Durham County will always be grateful.”

Join Us for the 15th Annual Veterans Day Celebration
Durham County Veteran Services will host the 15th Annual Veterans Day Celebration on Tuesday, November 10, at 11 a.m., at the County’s Human Services Building (414 E. Main Street) in downtown Durham. The program will include:

  • a live musical performance by the North Carolina National Guard 440th Army Band;
  • a keynote address from Roshanna Humphrey, Director of the Durham County Justice Services Department; and
  • a POW/MIA presentation.

The event is free and open to the public. Free parking with validation is available in the 500 E. Main Street parking deck (114 S. Elizabeth Street). For more details, visit our website here and RSVP online.
We invite all residents to join Operation Green Light, part of the National Association of Counties’ effort to raise awareness of military veterans and the challenges many face after their service. From November 4 through Veterans Day, November 11, four Durham County buildings will be lit in green: the William V. Bell Building, the Taurus sculpture, the Human Resources Building, and the Durham County Courthouse. Residents and businesses can take part by switching a porch light or window light to a green bulb.


Resources for Durham Veterans and Their Families
Other resources for veterans and their families in Durham include:

Veterans: We are grateful for your service to our nation. Your contributions to our community continue to shape Durham, and for that, we thank you.

Until next week,


Claudia Hager
Durham County Manager