Delaware County’s 8th Annual Freedom Medal Dinner Honors Extraordinary Veterans

November, 2022. The Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association, in partnership with Delaware County Council, hosted the eighth annual Freedom Medal Dinner at The Springfield Country Club. Proceeds from the event benefited the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Endowment Fund, helping to keep the memorial alive as it continues to grow in tandem with American history.

The event honored and awarded 2022 Freedom Medals to extraordinary local veterans and community members, recognizing them for their accomplishments, military service and dedication to our country, education, and service to the community.

The 2022 Freedom Medal Honorees include: General John “Jay” Paxton Jr., retired four-star Marine Corps General; General Daniel Van Wyk, Air Force/Air National Guard; Enforcement Chief Joseph Curley, Coast Guard; Carl Ewing, Army; Denise Leslie (Mayor of Brookhaven), Navy; Benjamin Sides, Marine Corps; and James Smith, Marine Corps.

“The prominently positioned Delaware County Veterans Memorial on West Chester Pike in Newtown Square is both inspirational and all-inclusive in the representation of every conflict in which America has been a participant, from the Revolutionary War to the conflicts in the Middle East,” stated veterans association board President Joseph Daley, a Marine Corps veteran, who emceed the event. “The middle of the semicircle, above the nine columns that symbolize our unity as a country, is embossed with the words ‘Lest We Forget.’ These three words represent our obligation as citizens to never forget the sacrifices of all who serve in our armed forces, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. These words also serve as the mission statement for the DCVMA Board of Directors, reminding us of our sacred duty to remember and honor all who serve.”

In addition to awarding the 2022 Freedom Medals, the association and county council recognized the Juneteenth Artistic Collaborative Experience (JACE) of Delaware County with the Dedication to Education Award. The award was accepted, on behalf of JACE, by Army Veteran Gerald Blye. JACE is a committee that brings forth the history of their ancestors celebrating Black history in America and memorializing the role Black soldiers played in the armed forces, specifically by celebrating Juneteenth. Now a federal holiday, the first Juneteenth celebration in Delaware County was held at the veterans memorial.

Greencastle Consulting received the Dedication to Our Country and Community Award. The veteran-owned and veteranoperated business tackles critical, no-fail projects, providing certified experts in project management, change management, process improvement, business intelligence and budget control. The award was accepted, on behalf of Greencastle, by Navy veteran Joe Crandall.

Other speakers at the event included association board member and previous Freedom Medal awardee, Air Force Veteran Ralph Galati, who explained the significance of the POW-MIA Remembrance Table that was set up in the front of the ballroom. Galati said that since World War I, there are still 81,000 missing members of the armed forces. He urged those in attendance “to never, ever forget them” and asked for a moment of silence.

Others who were featured or participated in the program at the dinner included Sue Serio, who gave opening remarks; the national anthem led by Yvette and Christopher Pecoraro; the blessing said by Chaplain Justin Cohen; Carolyn Hilton Finney brought the house to its feet with her rendition of “Proud to Be An American”; the posting and retiring of colors by Vietnam Veterans of America, American Legion Post 22, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department, and the Villanova, Widener and West Chester universities combined ROTC.

State Sen. Tim Kearney and Delaware County Councilman Kevin Madden awarded citations of honor to the honorees after they received their medals. Delaware County is home to 35,000 veterans. “Only 9% of young people are interested in entering the service and that’s why events like these, with all of these outstanding role models, are so important,” Madden said. “Thank you to all veterans for your sacrifices and valor.”

The county memorial in Newtown Square, is an open-air living legacy to the military history and active service members of our country. Open daily, year-round, and free to the public, visitors are welcome to learn, honor and reflect on the American wars and conflicts and the courageous, honorable veterans who served in them.

For more information about the Memorial and DCVMA, including upcoming events and programming, or to nominate a veteran for the 2023 Freedom Medal award, visit https://delcoveteransmemorial.org.