News From The Guardians

by Phillip Gaffney At Washington Crossing National Cemetery, an extraordinary group of dedicated individuals ensures that no veteran is ever laid to rest without the honors they deserve. The Guardians of the National Cemetery have upheld this solemn commitment since 2009, forming a steadfast honor guard that provides full military honors to those who served. Unlike most national cemeteries, where local veterans’ groups provide occasional services, Washington Crossing Nationa

by Phillip Gaffney On January 18, 2025, the Guardians of the National Cemetery proudly marked their 15th Anniversary with a commemorative banquet held at the Warrington Inn Country Club. This significant milestone brought together original members, current leaders, and dedicated volunteers to reflect on a decade and a half of unwavering service and commitment to our nation’s veterans. A Legacy of Service Since its founding in 2010, the Guardians of the National Cemetery have

by Phillip Gaffney On November 11th, 2024, the Guardians of the National Cemetery gathered at Washington Crossing National Cemetery to honor and remember the sacrifices of our nation’s veterans. The day was marked by solemn ceremonies, heartfelt tributes, and a shared commitment to preserving the memory of those who served. These photos capture moments of reflection, unity, and gratitude from this meaningful Veterans Day event. See all the photos here

by Phillip Gaffney It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Tom Hauserman, a cherished member of the Guardians of the National Cemetery. Tom, a valued part of our Monday Honor Guard team, left us on July 1st, 2024. His contributions to our organization were immense, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who had the honor of knowing him. Tom served alongside Terry Schweikert, the Monday team’s Firing Party Leader, with dedication and excellence. In addi

by Phillip Gaffney On Saturday, June 1st, 2024, the Guardians of the National Cemetery had the honor of providing an honor guard for a poignant event dedicated to honoring our veterans. This solemn occasion was a heartfelt tribute to the men and women who have served our nation with unwavering dedication and bravery. The ceremony began with the time-honored 21-gun salute, a powerful and resonant symbol of respect and gratitude for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. F

by Phillip Gaffney The Guardians of the National Cemetery recently participated in a deeply patriotic ceremony at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, paying tribute to the soldiers of the Revolutionary War who gave their lives for our nation’s freedom. These soldiers, though their remains are unidentified, are honored and remembered for their sacrifice and bravery. The event was a poignant reminder that the courage and dedication of these early American heroes are neither

by Phillip Gaffney Pictured above: Outgoing Commander Gene Hamilton (Right) Incoming Commander Don Tillotson (Left) The Guardians of the National Cemetery organization is built on the unwavering commitment and tireless efforts of its members, and today, we pay tribute to an extraordinary individual who has left an indelible mark on our organization: Gene Hamilton. Gene’s dedication to the Guardians of the National Cemetery has been nothing short of remarkable. Through his ye

by Phillip Gaffney It is with a heavy heart that we at the Guardians of the National Cemetery announce the passing of a cherished member of our community, John Lee. John’s dedication and unwavering commitment to honoring our veterans were deeply admired by all who had the privilege of working alongside him. As we share in this collective moment of mourning, we invite you to join us in celebrating John’s profound contributions. His efforts have left an indelible mark on our or

by Phillip Gaffney Sun, Rain or Snow, the Guardians will always honor our veterans faithfully.

by Phillip Gaffney The Month of of May 2023 has been very active for the Guardians.  These are the activities that have taken place in behalf of remembering our veterans. May 3rd, 2023 A two person team participated in educating the NJ Civil Air Patrol in Flag etiquette and proper flag folding to prepare these young cadets for a national competition they will be participating in June of 2023. Good luck to these cadets.   May 13, 2023 Veterans Appreciation & Forces Muster – Br

by Phillip Gaffney Greetings: The Guardians of the National Cemetery will dedicate and gift the statue of General George Washington to the National Cemetery Administration on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 11:00 AM sharp. General parking will be at Committal Shelter #1, in reverse order (enter through the exit and exit through the entrance lanes).  Handicapped parking will be available at Columbarium “B”, also in reverse order.   Golf cart transport to the seating area from handic

by Phillip Gaffney The unveiling of the George Washington Memorial Statue will take place Saturday May 20, 2023 at 11:00am at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery. All are welcome. Please consider making a donation to this project since no Government Funds will be used for this project, Here is the secure link to make safe donation and be a part of history.

by Phillip Gaffney Recently, Channel Six Action News ran a news piece about veterans that passed that not only have no family members available to honor their service but their remains have never been claimed.  This video does great honor to those veterans that are not forgotten.

by Phillip Gaffney Watch the video below to learn more about the Guardian’s fundraising efforts to build and install a George Washington Memorial Statue.  CLICK HERE

by Phillip Gaffney This months unattended service was well attended.  In attendance was Twin Pine Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary. This group of fine cadets, based at the Trenton Mercer County Airport, was led by Captain Robert McClellan and Lt. Col Yull.   See images here

by Phillip Gaffney Imagine if you will a veteran passing away and there is no one to call.  No one to grieve, no one to receive the flag the veteran earned. All Veterans should receive their recognition for serving our country.  Many enlisted while others drafted. In ether case they made the selfless decision to serve us and our country.  Is it too much to say thank you and we understand their sacrifice. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is required, by law, to ensure d

by Phillip Gaffney The June “Unattended Service” at Washington Crossing National Cemetery will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, June 30, 2022.  At that time the remains of 10 Veterans who have been unclaimed in the Montgomery County, PA Coroner’s Office will be interred.  Please feel free to join us to show these Veterans the honor and respect they deserve for their service to our country. CLICK HERE TO SEE PHOTOS

by Phillip Gaffney On Saturday, June 18, 2022, members of the Washington Crossing Honor Guard (WCHG) traveled to Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) at the invitation of the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (SHGTUS).  The WCHG witnessed the Changing of the Guard and members were able to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  The WCHG members then had the distinct pleasure of a  briefing by an on-duty Tomb Guard that lasted approximately 30 minu

by Phillip Gaffney In preparation for Memorial Day 2022, approximately 70 volunteers from the Travis Manion Foundation, the local community, and the Guardians of the National Cemetery gathered to complete the Avenue of Flags before Veterans Day 2022. Students of the Middle bucks Institute of Technology along with the Travis Manion Foundation and the Guardians of the National Cemetery worked on phase II of the Never Forget Garden. This work included the creation of a rock gard

by Phillip Gaffney March 29th, 2022  Commander Gene Hamilton recognized members of the Washington Crossing Honor guard that were active duty during the Vietnam era.

by Phillip Gaffney We’re honored to have so much coverage of our Gold Star memorial Dedication Service. We’re thankful for Robert J. Castaldi, Sr.’s extensive photo coverage of the event and encourage all to visit his gallery to experience the event for yourself. SEE MORE PHOTOS HERE

by fduser We’re honored to have Gold Star Son of Demetrius Frison and his mother Mikki visit the Memorial Monument.

by Phillip Gaffney We’re honored to have The Patch, Northampton's news outlet cover our recent Gold Star Memorial Monument Dedication. You can read their coverage and see their photos of the event on their website. Follow the link

by Phillip Gaffney This proclamation recognized the hard work that brought to fruition the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument at Washington Crossing National Cemetery—the first at a National Veterans Cemetery.

by Phillip Gaffney

by fduser The original Gold Star Families Memorial Monument was designed by Medal of Honor recipient Marine Woody Williams and dedicated in his home state of West Virginia in 2013. His foundation oversees the construction and installation of the Gold Star Families Memorials, with coordination from local board members. The monument at Washington Crossing National Cemetery was dedicated in June 2018. It is the very first such Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in a National V

by Phillip Gaffney On November 11th, 2021 a tribute was performed at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Honor of Veterans day.  Some may ask, Why Veterans Day? This Allows us to honor those who served our country, honoring those that sacrificed themselves for others and offering gratitude to those now serving. For those that don’t understand why our country’s men and women place themselves at risk, It’s not out of hate for those that stand in front of them but for t

On October 30th, 2021 Washington Crossing National Cemetery was the site of the new “Never Forget Garden” to honor those that served and paid the ultimate sacrifice and may not have been known to anyone other than God.  The Guardians of the Washington Crossing National Cemetery was part of this dedication along with two members of the exclusive Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Honor Guard and in addition they were joined by  guest speakers that enhanced the celebration of this gar

On October 28th 2021 at 2:00 PM  Honors will be bestowed on veterans which have no family members in attendance. The interment will be in Columbarium B of unclaimed Veterans from Chester County We request Honor Guard assistance with placing remains. Any members of any American Legion or VFW Post would be welcome to attend this service for one of our own.  Muster at the administration building at 1:30 PM to participate. Washington Crossing National Cemetery is located at 830 H

On October 30th there will be the formal dedication to the “Never Forget Garden”  The area for the Garden will be immediately behind Memorial Wall, across from the Stop sign at Gen Washington Blvd. Washington Crossing National Cemetery is located at 830 Highland Rd., Newtown, PA, 18940.

The Guardians of the National cemetery in conjunction with the Gold Star Mothers of America will host the public in a remembrance of all Gold Star Families on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 5:00 PM at Washington Crossing National Cemetery. We will meet at the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument which is adjacent to the Administration Building. Washington Crossing National Cemetery is located at 830 Highland Rd., Newtown, PA, 18940.

The Guardians of the National Cemetery Foundation has initiated a project with the Department of Veterans Affairs (Dept of VA), the National Cemetery Association (NCA), and Washington Crossing National Cemetery (WCNC), to donate and install a statue of General George Washington within the cemetery. The statue of Gen. Washington, in a kneeling position, will sit upon a base approximately 3’ tall. The statue itself will be approximately 9’ tall from the General’s knee on the gr

by Dennis O'Malley The “Avenue of Flags” at Washington Crossing National Cemetery is truly a majestic sight. It consists of over 145 U.S. flags flown at the top of 20’ removable poles along the roads at designated times of the year. The flags are 4 ½’ x 9’ burial size flags with the poles being approximately 30’ apart. This relatively new policy within the National Cemetery Administration is a change from the tradition of placing U.S. stick flags at each Veterans grave within

The Washington Crossing National Cemetery along with the Guardians of the National Cemetery, the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, local chaplains, and the Warrior’s Watch have combined to pay formal last respects to those Veterans interred at Washington Crossing National Cemetery during the month who had no one witness their interment. We refer to this ‘honor’ as our “Unattended Service’.  On the last Thursday of each month at 2:00 PM, we have a full military funeral honors

by Dennis O'Malley Decorated combat World War II veteran Sal Castro celebrated his 95th birthday on Sunday with a parade and well wishes from a far. Friends and family gathered to drive by his Levittown home to honor the veteran who has given to his country and fellow veterans. He is a member of the Honor Guard of the Guardians of the National Cemetery that participates in the rendering of military funeral honors at Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Upper Makefield. Th

by Robert Craven During World War I, it was common practice for families to display a blue star in the window of their home in support of their family member who was serving in the military. That practice was followed by families placing a gold star over the blue star if their family member died while in service. Thus, coining the term Gold Star Family.The Gold Star Families Memorial Monument program is a product of the Hershel Woody Williams Medal of Honor Foundation. “Woody

by Robert Craven We, the Guardians of the National Cemetery, began our tenth year at Washington Crossing National Cemetery (WCNC) with our annual banquet recognizing the Washington Crossing Honor Guard at Northampton Country Club. During the banquet we unveiled a PowerPoint slide show of photos of the cemetery over the years. Narration of the slide show was actually a copy of the remarks presented at the dedication of the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in June 2018. A t