OSI commander speaks at veterans memorial dedication ceremony Published May 28, 2013 By Mr. James C. Dillard OSI Public Affairs QUANTICO, Va. -- Brig. Gen. Kevin J. Jacobsen, Air Force Office of Special Investigations commander, attended a dedication ceremony of the Delaware County Veterans Memorial May 11. Jacobsen, a Delaware County native, was asked to speak at the event. "My youth here, from playing Newtown-Edgemont Little League and American Legion Baseball to my participation on student council and graduation from Marple-Newtown High School, left me with a strong appreciation for our nation's servicemen and women," Jacobsen said. "Today, we take time to honor and respect those who have served to protect our liberties. We're here to recall their courage and the sacrifices they have made for the sake of duty, honor and country." The memorial, according to the DCVM website, has nine columns, each representing a war/conflict with quotations engraved from presidents, generals and local veterans of that time period. A wall of prayers pays tribute to the soldiers and veterans from Newtown Square and those killed in action from Delaware County. "For more than 200 years, America's Armed Forces have been the surest guarantee that freedom will continue to ring across this land," Jacobsen said. "The names etched throughout this memorial were and are our neighbors, our friends, our classmates, and our family. They possess courage, pride, determination, selflessness, dedication to duty and integrity - all the qualities required to serve a cause larger than one's self." The event was emceed by Mr. Benjamin Patton, the son of Gen. George S. Patton. Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett, and former PA Governor and the 1st U. S. Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge also attended the event. To learn more about the DCVM, visit their website, www.delcoveteransmemorial.com.