By Glenn Rolfe

GEORGETOWN — For about 15 years, the Korean War Veterans Association’s Chapter 1, based in Sussex County, functioned as an active nonprofit.

“We were the first chapter in the state of Delaware to organize an actual chapter,” said Walter Koopman, a co-founder of the group.

It disbanded in 2021, as members passed away, but its legacy lives on. On April 9, two benches outside CHEER’s Warren & Charles Allen Community Center will be dedicated, following a breakfast at 9 for veterans and VIP invitees.

“It’s going to be really nice,” said Mr. Koopman. “We’re going to invite some of the dignitaries. If they come, they come. If they don’t, they don’t.”

Situated on a concrete pad, the red benches contain two phrases: “Remembering All Who Have Served” and “Korean War, 1950-1953.”

The breakfast, benches, shrubbery and bronze plaque are all being provided by Chapter 1, while it closes its coffers.

However, Mr. Koopman said, “I don’t want somebody who really doesn’t know us to come and think this was something we just thought of and the only thing we’ve ever done in the county.”

The chapter also recently provided $2,000 to Cape Henlopen High School, supporting one $1,000 scholarship this year and another in 2025.

For the dedication event, Mr. Koopman plans to have several tables displaying information on the activities of the former Sussex chapter.

For example, in 2006, the group installed a war memorial in front of Georgetown Town Hall for the 14 soldiers from Sussex County who lost their lives in Korea.

A memorial chair was also set up inside the CHEER Center.

In addition, Mr. Koopman and Jack McGinley, both of whom served as chapter presidents, remain active in events such as Return Day, Memorial Day and others.

Meanwhile, the benches, already firmly in place, are open to anyone’s use.

“Already, we’ve gotten response from people (who) live in the (nearby) apartments. They say the contour of the benches is very comfortable, and the sun always sets there,” Mr. Koopman said.