2007 News

June 15 , 2007

Bucks County Commissioners Reiterate Support for County Veterans Park, National Veterans Cemetery

Amplifying on the Council Rock School Board’s June 7 vote to approve the sale of the Melsky tract to Toll Brothers and Leo Holt of Newtown Twp. – another critical step in bringing a National Veterans Cemetery to Bucks County – the Board of Bucks County Commissioners underscore their commitment to purchase open space that will serve as a 27.4-acre veterans welcome park adjacent to the cemetery.

The 27.4-acre parcel, also known as the White property, would provide a unique gateway to the proposed cemetery. Located at the corner of Rte. 532 (Washington Crossing Rd.) and Highland Rd., it projects as a scenic adjunct to the proposed 200-acre cemetery, according to Commissioner Chairman Charles H. Martin.

“This memorial park will be a treasured addition to our existing open-space inventory, and it will have particular relevance given the sacrifice of all Bucks County heroes who have lost their lives in the line of duty protecting our way of life,” observed Commissioner James F. Cawley, Esq., who addressed the Council Rock School Board June 7 to urge approval of the Melsky sale.

“We’ve always been in favor of the Dolington site, and we remain in favor of the Dolington site,” Cawley told the board. “This is already hallowed ground, dating back to Gen. George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas Day, 1776.”

The commissioners, including Sandra A. Miller, initially proposed their memorial park plan during the Dec. 20, 2006 bi-monthly meeting at the Washington Crossing Visitors’ Center. At that time, they pledged to “very seriously and actively pursue” any part they can play in bringing a National Veterans Cemetery to Bucks County.