This memorial is located on the grounds of Holy Rosary Parish, also the site of the historic Grubb-Worth Mansion, in Claymont, Delaware.

The Guardian Of Defenders Memorial - that’s G.O.D. for short - is the nation’s first memorial honoring those who’ve given their lives in the Global War on Terror.

Father John J. Gayton and Father Donald J. VanAlstyne had been collaborating for ten years to recognize the service of those who gave their lives in the Global War on Terrorism. The Guardian of Defenders Memorial was installed at Holy Rosary Church in Claymont, Delaware on September 11, 2019.

As chaplains, they have served with thousands of Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen in the past 23 years. They have ministered to hundreds who were wounded. And they have memorialized, and mourned hundreds who gave the ultimate measure of their devotion by sacrificing their lives for our nation.

The solid bronze 20-feet-tall statue sculpted by Julio Sanchez De Alba, sits atop a black granite base. It features the Battlefield Cross (inverted rifle, dog tags, helmet and boots) and an angel carrying a service member to Heaven.

“I pray that this Memorial will be a source of healing for those loved ones left behind: all of us who served with them, and most especially the Gold Star families. May our prayer for these families, friends, and comrades in arms give them strength to continue their lives with steadfastness, courage and hope, knowing that there is a bond that can never be broken”!

Since Angels are messengers from God, Father Van figured why not facilitate the message of ‘Divine Mercy’ by means of an Angel lifting a dead service member from the battlefield to Heaven? By elevating the service member, the Angel directs the thoughts of those who’ve experienced the trauma of war to the mercy of God.

The Guardian Of Defenders Memorial Dedicated in Honor of the Men and Women of the United States Armed Forces who gave the Last Full Measure of Devotion for their Nation in the Global War on Terrorism. Operation Enduring Freedom. Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Major Donald J. Van Alstyne, MIC, has served as a U.S. Army Chaplain in Afghanistan, Bosnia and South Korea. He serves at Holy Rosary Parish and the Wilmington VA Medical Center in Wilmington, Delaware.

The Twenty One Bronze Plaque(s) of the 21 Gun Salute Pillars.

May Divine Mercy wash over these families, friends and comrades in arms and give them strength to continue their lives with steadfastness, courage and hope, knowing well the bond that can never be broken.
Jesus, I trust in You! May this memorial always be a reminder so that we will #NeverForget

A Bronze Combat Memorial (aka, the Battle Field Cross) which is always set up in the Combat Zone for a Field Memorial Service so that all of those Killed in Action may be honored and remembered by their fellow Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen.

The combat Memorial is comprised of the Kevlar (helmet), boots, inverted rifle and dog tags of the service member who was killed in action. It is a very powerful emotional moment—one that no one who has served in battle will ever forget.

The Architect behind our vision for the Guardian of Defenders Memorial, Joseph A. Zebleckes of Brandywine Design Guild, LLC (BDG) is an architectural design firm based in New Castle County, Delaware. https://guardianofdefenders.com/the-architect/

Julio Sanchez DeAlba, The Artist, the creative driving force behind our vision for the Guardian of Defenders Memorial. https://www.juliosart.com/

When entering the Memorial Plaza, created by pavers donated by EP Henry “Hero Scape”.

"OH GOD, MAY WE NEVER FORGET THE SERVICE THAT THEY GAVE FOR OUR COUNTRY!"
CH (MAJ) Donald VanAlstyne (2009)

The Angel is lifting off into the sky carrying the Body of the service member.

The service member is naked but covered by the flowing robes of an angel. He is naked for these reasons: He represents all service members from all the branches of the service; not differenced by uniforms. They are all “American Defenders” as what is written on the dog tags.

The Battle Field Cross

The American Defender has been stripped of the earthly trappings of this life; of everything that divides us; and the brutality of war! Thus, the American Defender is lifted, purified by God’s grace and love, into the eternal peace of heaven.

“Naked I came forth from my Mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away.” Job 1:21

He reached out from on high and grasped me. He drew me out of the deep waters. He rescued me from the enemy and from my foes. They attacked me in the day of calamity. But the Lord came to my support. He set me free in the open and rescued me. Because the Lord loves me.
Psalm 18:17-20

Father Donald J. VanAlstyne, MIC with Father John J. Gayton (right) the pastor of Holy Rosary Parish and retired U.S. Navy Commander. [ Photo from Marian Helper – Winter 2019-20 ]