THE MEMORIAL

Photo courtesy of Patrick J. Hughes Photography

The Delaware Country Veterans Memorial is an open-air living legacy honoring the military service of all Veterans for past, present, and future sacrifices.

“LEST WE FORGET”

Visitors to the Delaware County Veterans Memorial are awe struck as they walk amongst pavers honoring loved ones and supporting our troops through personalized messages. A stop at each of the nine 18ft granite columns, supporting the words “Lest We Forget,” is a lesson on the American Wars and Conflicts from the War of 1812 to the Wars of the Middle East. Quotes from Presidents, Generals and active-duty service men and women bring to life first-hand accounts of war and personal experiences as you read their words of war that are engraved in each column.

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THE MEMORIAL SITES

Lest We Forget

Symbol of Remembrance and Promise

The inscription “Lest We Forget”, at the apex of the Memorial immortalizes our promise to all Veterans and their families that we will never forget. This is our sacred pledge and with it our never-ending gratitude.

Wall of Prayers

Symbol of Endurance and Valor

The most sacred part of the memorial is formed by its innermost granite retaining walls.  Emblazoned in white on a sleek black stone, and facing the colonnade of conflicts, are the names of Veterans from Newtown Square who answered the call of duty.   The names on those Delaware County men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice are engraved with their branch of service facing the flags of the United States of America and all branches of service. We honor these local heroes who served, fought, and died to defend us. Their valor, whether from the most extraordinary acts of unimaginable bravery of the simple heroism of everyday courage, is evident by their title – Veteran. It is on their shoulders that we stand.   

Memorial Fountain

Symbol of Life and Peace

Central to the Memorial is the fountain with its flowing water symbolizing eternal life. It is here that we gather to keep the memory of our Veterans alive forever. In this place we honor them and by our presence we are restored. By the pool of still water, in moments of quiet reflection, the soul can find serenity and through that calmness a sense of renewed faith and peace.

The Eagle

Symbol of Freedom and Strength

The focal point of the Fountain, an alabaster carved American Bald Eagle perched atop an engraved granite column rising from the fountain, symbolizes the founding of our country through the Revolutionary War and the Declaration of Independence.

Statuary Circle

Symbol of Unity and Inclusion

Located between the Memorial and the Hall of Prayers is Statuary Circle.  Currently contained within the circle is a life-size statue of The Battlefield Cross, a symbolic memorial marker erected on the battlefield or at the base camp for a soldier who has been killed. It is made up of the soldier’s rifle stuck into the ground or into the soldier’s boots, with helmet on top. The purpose of this marker is to show honor and respect for the dead at the battle site. It is dedicated to all who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. A bronze statue of Wild Bill Guarnere, a wounded WWII soldier made famous through the HBO miniseries, Band of Brothers, is also located in the circle.  Wild Bill symbolizes the strength of all soldiers through their courage to serve and their strength to continue.

Hall of Prayers

Symbol of Strength and Perseverance

 The Hall of Prayers is an open-air chapel designed to represent a fallen tree with its roots firmly planted in American soil.  The structure represents the wounded warrior who will not fall or give up due to the support of their fellow troops and support from home.  The interior of the Hall of Prayers contains 50 messages to Veterans from all 49 Delaware County Municipalities and Delaware County Council.

POW MIA Wall

Symbol of Thanks, Courage, and Remembrance

The gray granite “empty chair” monument is set in front of a black granite wall engraved with white lettering, the monument serves as a memorial to those who served our great Nation but have never returned and have been classified as Prisoners of War or Missing in Action.