Warrington Township held its annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Saturday, May 28, at Igoe Porter Wellings (IPW) Memorial Fields, 3095 Bradley Road, Chalfont (Warrington Township).
During the ceremony, the Veteran Affairs Committee of Warrington Township recognized three local veterans who were approved to be added to the Memorial Wall for 2022. The honorees are: Andrew C. Bracy, Jr., United States Air Force, Vietnam Conflict; Irina Garmiz, United States Army, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Bruce W. Jackson, United States Army, Vietnam Conflict.
The ceremony featured a commemoration address by U.S. Navy Retired Lt. General Dr. M. John Dischert in recognition of Vietnam veterans. Those in attendance were presented with a specially designed lapel pin commemorating their service.
Dischert remarked, “It was an honor and privilege to present the Vietnam War Veterans Commemoration address during the Memorial Day Service. It was an honor not only to give the address as a Navy retiree, but it was also an extra privilege to me because I had an uncle who served in the Marine Corps, who died in Vietnam in 1965, and I felt like it was a great way to honor his memory.”
The event featured a wreath presentation by Dennis Igoe. Igoe’s brother Bill, a resident of Warrington, died on July 11, 1967, while serving in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Bill Igoe is one of the individuals for whom the park is named.
Additionally, there was a posting and retreat of colors by Boy Scout Troop 133 and music by the Veterans Association of Military Musicians, which played a medley of service anthems representing the branches of the United States military. The event was free and open to the public, and members of the community had the opportunity to stand and recognize a veteran during the ceremony.
Remarks were made by state Rep. F. Todd Polinchock, state Sen. Maria Collett, U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick and township officials. Warrington Township First Responders were also in attendance and a moment of silence was observed in memory of Warrington Township K-9 Officer Stephen C. Plum, Jr., who served the township for eight years prior to dying suddenly on May 16.
“Memorial Day is a special day that is observed to remember those that have given their all, in service to our country. It is important to take time and remember the fallen, who stepped up when their country called and must never be forgotten,” said Peter Scott, chairman of the Warrington Veteran Affairs Committee. “We are very proud of Warrington Township’s annual Memorial Day ceremony that honors citizens from our community that have been lost during their time of service.”
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