“IF NOT ME, THEN WHO?” – TRAVIS MANION, MARINE – AWARD CEREMONY, DOYLESTOWN, PA – 12/5/08
If God wanted to mold the ultimate warrior, the ultimate hero, he would have made 1st Lt Travis L Manion. 
Travis was bigger than life. He had the heart of a Spartan, an inner fire inside him to go where no one elso would go. To prevail in a fight, no matter what. He took “ownership of his responsibility” to his Marines to a higher level. He will be forever remembered as one of our greatest patriots.
On Dec 5, 2008 in a outdoor ceremony at the Doylestown, PA Courthouse. Travis was posthumously awarded America’s 3rd highest medal, the Silver Star, and a Bronze Star “V”. His parents Janet and Tom received the medals at a moving ceremony. About 2000 people came to hear those who knew Travis best and hear the reading of the citations about how Travis went above and beyond to lead and protect his men in battle.
A Marine Rifle Team marched in precision, presented arms in perfect unison and rendered a 21-gun salute. This team stood at attention throughout the 60-minute ceremony, despite the cold – they stood motionless to honor one of their own. After the 21-gun salute, a female Marine played Taps.
Major Joel Poudrier, USMC served with Travis in Iraq and was moved to tears as he told antedotes about his young fellow Marine officer. His voiced cracked with emotion as he stated how his own children will forever remember the name of Travis Manion.
After the ceremony, friends old and new, came to embrace Travis’s family, who will be forever proud of the heroic and selfless way that Travis served his country.
Tom Travis, a Marine himself and a symbol of a father’s quiet strength, thanks people for attending his son’s ceremony.
Janet Manion, the hero’s mother, personifies grace and dignity as 2000 people came to pay their respects and honor her amazing son.
Captain Chad Rounds, USMC (right) spoke to the crowd about the time he spent with Travis in Iraq. He described how beloved Travis was by all the Marines and also by the Iraqis he had been assigned to train. Travis was one of only 2 Marines to ever have an Iraqi Combat Outpost named after him. This is because they truly loved the way he trained them and fought for their freedom.
Major Joel Poudrier, USMC (right) told stories about how hard Travis fought. It seems like Travis literally put the responsibiliity to prevail in Iraq, directly upon his shoulders. “Leaders, Marines like him are truly one-in-a-million”, he said.
The Marine bus that brought the Honor Guard, Rifle Team, and fellow Marines to Doylestown. Travis Manion earned his medals, he represented the very best of the United States of America and the US Marine Corps.
Read more about Travis’ awards and ceremony HERE.
Rich
Thank you for posting. Travis was a very special young man both to our family and our country. It’s a great tribute to him that so many came out to honor his service and sacrifice.
Rosemary Longley
Comment by Rosemary Longley — December 9, 2008 @ 11:38 am
Thank you for sharing Travis’ ceremony awarding him the silver medal and the bronze star with valor. That day was a beautiful reflection of his strengths and beliefs, and of how he was able to inspire so many others in his short time of life. It was good for all to hear about his heroic acts first hand and to see how much he was loved by his fellow marines and the Iraqi soldiers. I hope he will remain an inspiration and role model to the larger community and our country for future generations. Thanks again for passing along his story.
Comment by Trudy Manion — December 9, 2008 @ 2:12 pm
What an awesome young man 1st Lt. Travis Manion was! What an honor for our country to have had a hero like Travis in it! God Bless Travis and America!
Comment by Summer — December 12, 2008 @ 11:17 am