Remembrance Garden Veterans Walkway Brick Installation

The Emmaus Commemorative Garden Foundation (ECGF) has partnered with the Emmaus Veterans Committee (EVC), the premier veteran’s organization in our region, to offer veteran’s bricks to the members of our local veteran’s posts (American Legion Post 191, Catholic War Vets Post 1067 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7088).

Seven beautifully engraved 8x8 bricks in the Veteran’s Walkway represent the branches of the service and include an American flag brick and a brick for the POW/MIAs of all wars. Other designated walkways honor Families, Eagle Scouts, Emmaus High School, Police, Family and Friends, Businesses, Service Clubs and Weddings/Events.  The garden, which has become a lovely inspirational site, is located on the grounds near the Knauss Homestead. Each brick is not only an investment in the legacy of a loved one, but also an investment in the future of the Garden.  Proceeds from the brick installations assist the Foundation in maintaining the grounds throughout the year.

The commemoration begins with an afternoon ceremony featuring the laying of bricks and guest speakers. Men and women will be honored for their past or present bravery and patriotism in the United States Military. The inscribed bricks are a permanent tribute to those who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States. These lasting tributes are not limited to any particular military service, bricks encompass a variety of time periods.  Placed prominently within Remembrance Garden grounds, they will be viewed by hundreds of visitors each year. The list of honorees includes: Kenneth F. Sell, H (Toddy) Bauder, M Nadine Bauder, Milton H Stortz Jr., Bill Doney Jr., Bob Reid, Glenn R. Ash, Bruce Ludwig Kahle, Linda Jean Kahle, Egan M Fehnel, Percival J. Fehnel Jr., Richard C. Mohr, Erney S. Kemmerer, James A. Schmick, James W. Schmick, Kermit F. Cope, Joseph J. Estojak and Kermit G. Bitting.

The program includes a special Honor Guard Rifle Salute, reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance, opening remarks by Dr. Mike Waddell, Executive Director, ECGF, additional remarks by US Congressman Charlie Dent, State Representative Ryan Mackenzie and Mr. Tom Gettings, USMC and ECGF Charter Member. Invited speakers include a representative from the Emmaus Veterans Committee and keynote speaker, Ms. Linda Wheeler, Sgt. USAF. Special thanks will be given to Catholic War Vets Post 1067, American Legion Post 191, VFW Post 7088, Emmaus Historical Society, Greenstone Landscaping, Paradise Landscape Design, St. Paul’s Church and the Borough of Emmaus Public Works Department for their assistance throughout the year with garden clean-up and maintenance.

“I am incredibly proud of what we've created for the residents of this community that continues to endure and grow year after year, said Mike Waddell, ECGF Executive Director.  “We've touched the lives of hundreds of people in and out of the borough in a special way that will be in place for generations to come.  Many thanks to our ECGF team that works tirelessly to maintain the Remembrance Garden for all of us,” added Waddell.

Along with the Veterans Brick Installation, the Emmaus Commemorative Garden Foundation is also pleased to be celebrating our 10th Anniversary. When the iconic Remembrance Garden at the Knauss Homestead was dedicated in 2004, the land transformed into a true destination experience for locals and visitors to enjoy throughout the seasons. More than 350 bricks have been installed over the years, representing hundreds of people and life events. This year we are celebrating our own milestone and will be commemorating a decade of efforts during the annual Memorial Day Brick Installation. Everyone is invited to gather for a special community thank you and 10th Anniversary reception at the garden. Special thanks to many individuals and volunteer organizations include St. Paul’s Church, Paradise Landscaping, Greenstone Landscaping, Gary’s Tree Service, Emmaus Historical  Society, VFW Post 7088, American Legion post 191 and Catholic War Vets Post 1067. Emmaus Lions Club, Emmaus Rotary Club, Emmaus Garden Club, Emmaus Kiwanis Club and Cintas.

For more information regarding the Emmaus Commemorative Gardens Foundation, visit www.emmausremembers.org  or contact Mike Waddell at 610 967-5709 for more information.