Photography by Bill Conley, W3R-DE
Travelers following the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail through Claymont, Delaware, will encounter the Guardian of Defenders Memorial on the grounds of Holy Rosary Catholic Church.
Unveiled on September 11, 2021, the memorial honors American service members who gave their lives during the Global War on Terrorism, particularly those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The memorial was created by two retired military chaplains, U.S. Navy Chaplain Commander John J. Gayton and U.S. Army Chaplain Major Donald VanAlstyne. Both served in Iraq and Afghanistan and received Bronze Stars for their service.
At its center, an angel lifts a fallen service member above a bronze battlefield cross formed by an inverted rifle, helmet, identification tags and combat boots. The composition reflects the temporary memorials military units create to honor those killed in action.
Located at 3200 Philadelphia Pike, the memorial stands near the historic Grubb/Worth Mansion. It also holds a meaningful connection to the Washington-Rochambeau Trail. In 1781, American and French forces traveled along this route toward the decisive campaign at Yorktown.
Today, the memorial adds a contemporary story of service and sacrifice to this historic landscape. Trail travelers and other visitors are encouraged to pause, reflect and remember those who served.
