Event Overview

Washington Crossing Historic Park will hold its annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Sunday, May 24 at 1 PM at the Revolutionary War Soldiers’ Gravesite behind the Thompson-Neely House (1638 River Road, New Hope, PA 18938).

The observance will include a colonial color guard, fife and drum music, Revolutionary War reenactors, veterans, and other honored guests as we gather to pause and reflect on the meaning of service and sacrifice.

During the ceremony, American flags will be placed on the graves of soldiers who died during the Continental Army’s December 1776 encampment in Bucks County. While no Americans were killed during the Delaware River crossing or the First Battle of Trenton, some soldiers later died from exposure, disease, or previous injuries. Captain-Lieutenant Moore is the only soldier buried at this site whose identity is known.

We hope you will join us in remembering their sacrifice and honoring all those who have served.

Each year, the park invites a military leader from our community to share reflections on the significance of Memorial Day and the importance of remembering the sacrifice and service that have helped shape our nation.

Keynote Speaker: Captain Timothy Reeves

Captain Timothy Reeves of the Lower Makefield Township Police Department will serve as this year’s keynote speaker. A Bucks County native, he served in the U.S. Army Reserve and deployed to Fallujah, Iraq in 2005 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he was awarded the Bronze Star for courage and distinguished service.

In his civilian career, Captain Reeves continues his commitment to public service as an assistant commander of the Bucks County Major Incident Response Team (MIRT), a multi-agency partnership of 21 police departments that responds to major emergencies throughout the county. His leadership reflects a deep dedication to the safety and well-being of his community.

During the ceremony, he will offer reflections on sacrifice and the enduring meaning of Memorial Day, honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

Master of Ceremonies: Major Spencer G. Garrison

We are also honored to welcome Major Spencer G. Garrison as Master of Ceremonies. With over 16 years of service in the U.S. Army, including 13 years as a public affairs officer, he has represented the Army on national and international stages.

Major Garrison has commanded a public affairs detachment, served at the corps and brigade levels, and deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations worldwide. He currently serves as Deputy Director of Public Affairs for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, a major command of more than 35,000 personnel supporting the engineering needs of the nation and military.

A 2009 graduate of West Point, he earned a master’s degree from Georgetown University in 2019. A Yardley native, he enjoys running, photography, and spending time with his family. Since 2018, he has also served as an oarsman alongside his father during the annual reenactment of Washington’s Crossing of the Delaware.