Roundabouts Dedicated In Doylestown To Blue And Gold Star Families

DOYLESTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — The township’s Gold Star and Blue Star families were honored on Friday with the dedication of the double roundabout in Doylestown Township in their honor.

Gathered at Triangle Park where New Britain Road intersects with South Easton and Sauerman roads, township officials unveiled new signage and dedicated the roundabouts during a ceremony attended by veterans, Gold Star and Blue Star families, township residents, and public officials.

“Today we gather to honor our Blue Star families whose loved ones are serving in the United States military and our Gold Star families who have endured the immeasurable loss of a family member who died in active duty,” said Jennifer Herring, who chairs the township’s Board of Supervisors. “With the naming of these roundabouts, we recognize not just in words, but in a permanent, public way, the many sacrifices your families have made on behalf of our community and our nation.”

Added Chris Suessenguth, who chairs the township's Veterans Advisory Board, "I can't think of a more humbling way to honor our active duty members, our veterans, those who gave their lives for their country, and their families than by dedicating these roundabouts to them.

Officials gather next to the newly unveiled signs designating the Gold Star and Blue Star Tribute Roundabouts. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Raising the flag at the ceremony. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

"Knowing how each group pays tribute to our military makes me proud of what they do each day," he continued. "To the Blue Star families, nothing is better than receiving an unexpected package when deployed like I did many years ago when my parents sent me chocolate chip cookies in a Pringles can.

"For the Gold Star families, my heart aches for you," he said, his voice filling up with emotion. "I hope you find peace knowing that your loved ones will always be honored, not just today but every day."

Calling the dedication of the roundabouts "an important moment in the township's history," Ryan Manion, the CEO of the Travis Manion Foundation, said the new signs are a reminder that behind every person wearing the nation's uniform stands a family that also serves.

"Blue Star families know the mix of pride and worry that comes with having a loved one in service. Their strength and support system sustain our military service members every single day," said Manion. "A Gold Star family carries an even heavier burden. They have lost someone in service to the nation. Their courage in the face of unimaginable loss is a solemn reminder of the true cost of freedom. "

As the daughter of a retired Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps, a Gold Star sister to 1st Lt. Travis Manion, a U.S. Marine who gave the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq, and a Blue Star mother of a United States Midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy, Manion said she knows the signs "are not just metal and paint. They are a symbol of gratitude and a promise that our community sees us, honors us, and remembers our loved ones.

"For those of us who call Doylestown Township home, these signs hold special meaning. They let every Gold Star family member know that we are not alone, that our community stands with us, remembers our heroes, and keeps their legacy alive," said Manion. "Every time someone passes by, they will be reminded that freedom is not free and that service and sacrifice are part of the fabric of who we are as Americans."

Chris Suessenguth, chairman of the township's Veterans Advisory Board. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

State Senator Steve Santarsiero addresses the gathering. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Marianne Davies speaking on behalf of the Blue Star Families. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Jennifer Herring speaking to the gathering. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Veterans attending the ceremony. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

The idea of naming the new roundabouts came out of the Veterans Advisory Committee and was made possible through the legislative efforts of State Senator Steve Santarsiero and State Rep. Tim Brennan, who secured passage of the legislation and the signature of Governor Shapiro.

"These roundabouts are a sign to our Blue Star families that we stand with you. This recognition today is a small piece of that," said Santarsiero. "To our Gold Star families, your sacrifice can never be repaid. It’s a sacrifice your loved one has made for our country and it’s a sacrifice that is with you each and every day," he said. "This dedication is certainly a small recognition of that. It will never fill the void that is within your hearts. We know that, but it is my prayer that it may offer you some small measure of solace."

Rep. Brennan added, "I can think of nothing more fitting than having these two interlocking roundabouts in a central location in our community so whether coming or going, it’s a constant reminder of those who have given so much."

The gathering also heard from Matthew Allen, director of Bucks County Veterans Affairs, and Marianne Davies, representing Blue Star Families. Pastor Steven McComas of Rolling Hills United Methodist Church and Lahaska United Methodist Church, delivered the invocation and benediction.

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