About Us
Guardians of the National Cemetery is a registered 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization and the official support committee of Washington Crossing National Cemetery, sanctioned by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
We exist to honor and remember those who served our nation while ensuring their legacies continue to educate future generations.​
​Our mission extends beyond the cemetery grounds. We also exist for educational purposes, helping the public, student, and community members understand the meaning of service, sacrifice, and remembrance.
Our History
The Guardians of the National Cemetery in Bucks County, PA, were born out of a moment that would shape the future of our community and honor those who served our nation. The Council Rock School District owned a large parcel of land, known as the Melsky tract, intended for future school development but never used. When the board voted to sell this land, it unlocked the path for the creation of Washington Crossing National Cemetery, ensuring that the brave men and women who served our country would have a sacred resting place close to home.
In 2010, nine local patriots came together with a shared purpose. Each contributed twenty dollars, pooling their resources to launch the Guardians. The name Guardians, suggested by Dan Fraley, captured the heart of their mission: to ensure that every veteran laid to rest received the military honors they deserved. With pro bono legal support from Mike Fitzpatrick, these veterans pledged to make certain that the voices of those who supported the cemetery would be heard, from the halls of government to the pages of the media.
From that humble beginning, the Guardians have grown into a committed volunteer organization, bound by a shared sense of duty and respect. Today, we have teams for each day of the week performing military honors, ensuring that every veteran, especially those without family present, receives the dignity, respect, and ceremony they earned through service and sacrifice. Through Veterans Day and Memorial Day observances, Unaccompanied Services, and daily acts of stewardship, our volunteers carry forward a solemn promise: to keep the memory and legacy of America’s heroes alive for generations to come.
Meet Our Board
Governed by a board of 7 U.S. veterans, the Guardians carry the fiduciary responsibility to oversee the organization and ensure compliance with all legal, ethical, and financial standards.
They manage resources responsibly, guide programs effectively, and support the Honor Guard so that every veteran laid to rest at WCNC is honored with dignity, respect, and pride.
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