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Slain Marine's mother a finalist for national honor

Doylestown resident Janet Manion is one of 20 finalists for Citizens Service Before Self honors, awarded by the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation to Americans for bravery, courage, and a commitment to service.

Doylestown resident Janet Manion is one of 20 finalists for Citizens Service Before Self honors, awarded by the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation to Americans for bravery, courage, and a commitment to service.

Manion's heroism did not come on the battlefield - it happens here at home. She is a finalist for her work as founder and chair of the nonprofit Travis Manion Foundation, dedicated to helping veterans and the families of those who fell while in the armed services.

"It's a huge honor, but it's certainly not just me alone," Manion said. "I don't even know who nominated me."

The news came as a shock to Manion, who first heard about the award the day before the finalists were officially announced.

"I called my daughter right away," Manion said. "She said, 'Mom, it's a pretty big award.' "

Travis Manion, a first lieutenant in the Marines, was killed in 2007 by sniper fire in Fallujah, Iraq. Manion established the foundation bearing her son's name. Her impetus was a conversation with her son before his final tour.

"I remember my son saying to me, 'Mom, America needs to know what these brave men and women are doing over here, and I don't think that they know.' "

Manion helped create three distinct programs. "Honor the Fallen" awards grants to survivors, active-duty military, and others for service projects that will perpetuate the legacy of members of the military who have died. "Character Does Matter" uses motivational speakers to promote leadership and courage. The third program is the "9/11 Heroes Run" each Sept. 11.

Final selection for the three award winners is March 12, and the awards ceremony will be March 23 at Arlington National Cemetery, near the Tomb of the Unknowns.

Manion said she deals with her son's death daily, waking up every morning thinking about what he said to her. Her loss motivates her to remain committed to the foundation.

"Someday," she said, "I'll see him again."