Dedication of Bridgeport's Veteran's Memorial to Take Place at Noon Thursday; Public Invited to Attend
By Jeff Toquinto on May 25, 2016 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
Almost a year to the day after ground was broke for Bridgeport’s new Veteran’s Memorial, the dedication ceremony will take place Thursday. And all veteran’s, residents of Bridgeport or anyone else that would like to pay tribute to those that have and continue to serve our country are invited to attend.
The dedication will be held in the parking lot across from the All Saints Catholic Church on Main Street. The event begins at noon.
“I’m very pleased and I could not be happier. The contractor, city staff and everyone has worked really well together,” said Assistant City Manager Jimmy Smith. “I don’t think without great cooperation that we could have pulled this off in such a short period of time considering the way the weather has been.”
Opening festivities will be the Harrison County Honor Guard which will raise the U.S. flag, after which former City Council Member Melissa Matheny will oblige in singing The National Anthem. Providing opening remarks will be Mayor Bob Greer.
Army Brig. Gen. Charles Veit, assistant adjutant general for the West Virginia Guard, and Bridgeport resident/Vietnam Veteran Tom Leonette will both address the crowd. It was Leonette who first proposed the idea of a Veterans Memorial in the city and he has been active on the committee over the past couple of years. Also making a presentation will be the Daughters of the American Revolution represented by Carolyn Burnside.
A veteran from every branch of the military unveiling the memorial, which features separate statues representing those branches, said City Clerk Andrea Kerr.
Kerr said parking will be available across Main Street at All Saints Catholic Church parking lot. Bridgeport Police Department will begin directing traffic and assisting attendees in crossing the street beginning around 11 a.m.
Huffman Corporation was the contractor that had the winning bid of just over $94,000. City staff also did as much work as possible, but contractors had to do large portions of the work due to the massive size and weight of the granite pillars that are the focal point of the project.
Five 8,500 pound granite pillars were lowered by a massive crane on April 27 that complete the focal point of the Memorial. The pillars represent five branches of the military – Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard. There is an inscription that reads “All Gave Some; Some Gave All.”
In recent weeks stone work has been on the memorial. Earlier this week, the flag pole was installed.
The pillars have been covered up since they were mounted in place and will remain covered up until dedication ceremony Thursday. Smith is hoping there will be a large turnout for the event.
“We absolutely are,” said Smith when asked if the city is encouraging individuals to show up for the event. “Anyone interested in coming down, we’d love to see them. We’re going to have finger foods and a luncheon provided.”
Smith said several dignitaries will be on hand. He also said the weather, as of now, is looking good for the event.
Any questions regarding the event can be directed to City Clerk Andrea Kerr. She can be reached at 304-842-8233.
Editor's Note: Workers put the finishing touches on the flag pole at the Veteran's Memorial earlier this week.
