A Bridge of Honor and Remembrance
In a heartfelt ceremony held in Warwick Township, Pennsylvania, the Bucks County Commissioners honored the legacy of U.S. Army Sgt. George W. Hamilton Jr. by dedicating Bucks County Bridge No. 138 in his memory. This bridge, located along Creek Road near Mearns Road, stands as a tribute to a young soldier who gave his life during the Vietnam War.
Sgt. Hamilton, who was just 21 years old, died on July 11, 1968, just three days after celebrating his first wedding anniversary. His passing marked the loss of a promising life and a devoted patriot. The dedication ceremony took place on Tuesday, drawing together local officials, veterans’ advocates, and residents to pay tribute to his service and sacrifice.
Commissioner Chair Diane Ellis-Marseglia spoke at the event, reflecting on the challenges faced by soldiers like Hamilton during a time of national division. “Young men like Sgt. George Hamilton answered the call at an extremely divisive and difficult time in our country,” she said. “This young man carried the duty and obligation to serve to a place that was very far away. So I need him to know that, in gratitude, I need to say that we see you, and we honor you, and we remember you.”
Hamilton’s widow, DorisAnn Wachsmuth, attended the ceremony alongside two of her daughters. She shared her memories of her late husband, describing him as “courageous,” “brave,” and “a hero.” She also highlighted his kind and trustworthy nature, saying, “He brought light, love and laughter into every life he touched.”
Commissioners Diane Ellis-Marseglia and Bob Harvie joined local veterans’ advocates, officials, and residents, including DorisAnn Wachsmuth, the widow of the late Sgt. George W. Hamilton (holding the folded American flag), to dedicate a bridge in his memory.
The bridge dedicated in Hamilton’s honor is the 20th county-owned bridge since 2022 to be named for a local soldier lost in the Vietnam War. It also marks the first such bridge in 2026. For Ellis-Marseglia, the dedication represents more than just a gesture of remembrance—it is a step toward making amends for past omissions.
“Every time we have done one of these bridges, I have felt a little bit like we were fixing a wrong – maybe we were straightening a missed opportunity,” she said. “I’ve felt like we were apologizing that we didn’t do this sooner. I am glad to be back on this mission. We have a lot of gratitude to show in the next few months.”
The dedication of the bridge is part of the Bucks County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge Program, which honors the 136 Bucks County residents who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. The program is administered in partnership with Bucks County-based veterans’ advocate Ed Preston, who chairs the Pennsylvania Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (PAVVMF).
Through this initiative, the county seeks to ensure that the sacrifices of these brave individuals are never forgotten. The program not only serves as a memorial but also as a way to educate future generations about the cost of war and the courage of those who served.
For those interested in learning more about the program and the soldiers it honors, additional information can be found at BucksCounty.gov/MemorialBridges.
