Warrington Township Honors Vietnam Era Veterans

Warrington Township held its annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Saturday, May 28 at Igoe Porter Wellings (IPW) Memorial Fields, located at3095 Bradley Road, Chalfont, Pa. 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
• Bruce W. Jackson, United States Army, Vietnam Conflict

The ceremony featured a commemoration address by Dr. M. John Dischert, U.S.LCDR (Ret), MSC, USN, 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. Dischert continued, “It is always simultaneously heartbreakingand humbling to gather and remember those that have served our country that are no longer with us. I think the greatest tribute every citizen is capable of is to stop life for a moment, say the names of those military veterans who have gone before us and give thanks to them for the path of freedom they paved for us.

The event featured a wreath presentation by Dennis Igoe. Igoe’s brother Bill, a resident of Warrington, Pa., 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.In addition, there was a posting and retreat of colors by Boy Scout Troop 133 and music by the Veterans Association of Military Musicians, including a salute to veterans in attendance with a medley of service anthems representing the branches of the United States military.The event was free, open to the public, andmembers of the community had the opportunity to stand and recognize a veteran during the ceremony.

Remarks were made by State Rep F. Todd Polinchock (R-District 144), State Senator Maria Collett (D-District 12), Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-District 1) and Township officials. Warrington Township First Responders were also be 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 and passed away 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.”

About Warrington Township

Warrington Township is located in central Bucks County, approximately 20 miles north of central Philadelphia. The Township encompasses 13.5 square miles, bordered on the north by New Britain, Warwick, and Doylestown Townships, on the east by Warminster Township, and on the south and west by Montgomery and Horsham Townships.

Warrington Township is an outstanding community in which to live, work, shop, learn, and recreate with many unique opportunities to enhance the quality of life for those who reside, work, or visit. The goal of the township is to responsibly manage community change and protect community character and assets; preserve the natural environment and farmland; improve mobility; provide adequate township services and public facilities efficiently and equitably; and promote the economic and social well-being of the community. The township is committed to protecting the township, improving the quality of life, sustaining its neighborhoods, and serving the health, safety and welfare of its residents and businesses. To learn more, visit https://www.warringtontownship.org.