Tredyffrin Easttown Historical Society
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Source: Fall 2005 Volume 42 Number 4, Pages 138–139

BERWYN VETERANS MEMORIAL DEDICATED

C. Herbert Fry

Page 138

A memorial dedicated to local veterans of all of this nation's wars, was unveiled at a 9 A. M. community celebration on Saturday morning, September 10, 2005, in Berwyn. The structure, made from stainless steel, and displaying a U.S. flag, stretches 28 feet into the air above the pedestrian bridge spanning the railroad tracks at the Berwyn station on Lancaster Avenue. Anchored into the ground by a concrete foundation, the arch serves as the gateway to the Easttown side of the walking bridge. Phase 2 of the project, a tranquillity garden, will eventually be located at the other end of the bridge on the Tredyffrin side.

Illustration from page 138

View from Lancaster Avenue. September 10, 2005.
Photograph by C. Herbert Fry.

The memorial features an already existing plaque that honors World War I veterans, plus a new plaque honoring Tredyffrin and Easttown veterans who sacrificed their lives for their country in World War I (9 names), World War II (44 names), the Korean War (8 names), and the Vietnam War (10 names). The plaques are affixed to large granite boulders. A third stone, polished but unadorned, is reserved for those who may give their lives in the future.

A platform erected for the event next to the south side of the railroad station provided space for seating dignitaries. Folding chairs covered the station parking lot on the east to hold the overflowing crowd, including surviving World War II veterans, most of whom now are in their eighties and nineties. Soldiers sat among civilians, as veterans watched and listened, offering a token of their gratitude to those who have served our country and have lived in the two townships.

As the program proceeded, there were several speeches, some anticipated, some impromptu. Among the latter was U.S. Representative Curt Weldon, who was an unannounced guest at the ceremony. Speaking impassioned and without notes, he described the scene as a true Norman Rockwell canvas of America come to life in Berwyn. In saluting the organizers of the Berwyn Veterans Memorial, Weldon, who was accompanied by U.S. Representative Jim Gerlach, presented a flag that had been flown over the Capitol to be used in the Memorial.

Page 139

Illustration from page 139

James Gibson, keynote speaker at the dedication program, portrayed the late Samuel Paul Teamer, a principal of the old Tredyffrin Easttown High School who served in WWI, and wore a uniform of that period. This view is next to the podium on the south side of the railroad station. September 10, 2005. Photograph by Joyce A. Post.

Samuel J. Lieberman was the Master of Ceremonies. The keynote speaker was James Gibson portraying the late Samuel Paul Teamer, the principal of old Tredyffrin Easttown High School who left that position to serve in the U.S. Army during World War I. Mr. Gibson wore an Army uniform from that period. Other officers, wearing historical service uniforms, from the Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force were recognized at the podium. The Notables, a women's choral group from the Main Line area, provided music, and Freedom Team Awards were presented to Armand Pomante, Dr. Bernard H Blaustein, Tony Lalli, and C. Herbert Fry. State Representative Carole Rubley and Chester County Commissioner Andrew Dinniman were among the local elected officials who attended.

Members of the Berwyn Veterans Memorial Committee were William and Pat DeHaven, John Ansley, Jr., John Lamborn, Ted Lamborn III, Neil McAloon, Sheila Reilly, Bill Bellew, Fred Nudy, Tom Toscani, and Nancy Ward. The group is also compiling a list of all the men and women, not just those who gave their lives, who ever lived in Tredyffrin and Easttown Townships and who served their country.

A major fundraising event, begun in 2003, for the memorial was the annual 5K Berwyn Victory Run.

The memorial was developed and created by Lyman Perry Architects, Ltd. of Berwyn.

 
 

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