The Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association
The Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association first was proposed in 2013 as a way to recognize and pay tribute to fallen armed forces members from Delaware County. Through the concentrated efforts of the late Steve Neri, United States Marine Corps veteran; the late Stan Short, United States Marine Corps veteran; and the late Linda Houldin, former director of the Delaware County Historical in Newtown Square, plans were put forward.
Thanks to the generous support of the de Botton family, a plot of land donated to the cause became the home of the region's newest monument to military service. The dream became a reality on May 11, 2013, when the monument was dedicated in a solemn ceremony.
The imposing structure rises above a busy highway, welcoming community members from all parts of the County to reflect, remember, learn, and celebrate the history of the United States Armed Forces.
Among the Association's accomplishments are onsite Flag Raising tributes for deceased veterans; county wide K-12 education programs both on site and conducted in schools; and recognition events honoring local veterans and education leaders who are dedicated to keeping the Association's program moving ahead.
BOARD MEMBERS
Joseph Daly, President, US Marine Corps Veteran, Police Chief, Springfield Twp.
Dennis Murphy, Vice President, US Army Veteran
Tonya Rieco, Esq., Secretary, National Realty Corp.
Ralph Galati, US Air Force Veteran
Lawrence LeMaitre, Sr., US Navy and USMC Veteran, PECO/E*MAC
Tammy Barlet, US Coast Guard Veteran
Kathleen A. Breslin, Education Committee Chair
Michael Holloway, GMH Ventures, LLC
Nicole de Botton Robinson, National Realty Corp.
ADVISORY BOARD
Carmen P. Belefonte, Esq., US Army Veteran, Saltz, Mongeluzzi, Barrett & Bendesky
Mario Civera, US Air Force Veteran
Nick DeBenedictis, US Army Veteran
Bobby Rydell, US Army Veteran/Singer
HONORARY BOARD
Mrs. James D. Fordyce, Gold Star Mother
Governor Tom Ridge, US Army Veteran, Ridge Global
David Videon, Esq., US Navy Veteran
FOUNDING MEMBERS
Claude de Botton, Land Donor and Major Benefactor
Charles P. Sexton, Jr. [Honorary], US Marine Corps Veteran
VETERAN ORGANIZATIONS
American Legion Post 805
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7390
MCL Gen. Smedley D. Butler DET 741
Civil Air Patrol Squadron 1007