For a brief period of time this morning, traffic was stopped along U.S. Route 50 as a massive crane from Morgantown arrived on city property. For an even briefer period of time there was thought on whether that reason for bringing in the train and stopping traffic would proceed beyond getting everything moved off the main roadway.

 

In short order, however, traffic was back to its regular pattern. Shortly after that, Mother Nature made the final decision on proceeding with the work that was hoped to start.

 

“It was raining this morning during the delivery of the crane and materials, but it stopped,” said Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Director Don Burton. “Once it stopped, everything began proceeding as anticipated.”

 

What was anticipated and what was taking place this morning and into this afternoon was the placing of five granite pillars for the City of Bridgeport’s Veteran’s Memorial. Each of the pillars weighed 8,500 pounds, according to Bridgeport Assistant City Manager Jimmy Smith.

 

“Everything should be put in place today,” said Burton. “We anticipate this portion of the project to be complete.”

 

Due to the size of the project, it required some unique logistical intersecting. City Crane out of Morgantown arrived this morning to place the granite pillars that were from Picture this in Granite out of Canada. Two men, who Burton said do the placing of monuments like this all over the country, arrived from Mount Airy in North Carolina, while the installation supervisor from the Vermont-based company North Fields Granite.

 

“Once this is complete, it will be a really nice memorial for veterans and those that have served our country,” said Burton.

 

The pillars that were put in place today represent five branches of the military. The pillars will represent the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard. The inscription reads “All Gave Some; Some Gave All.” The pillars will be covered up until the dedication ceremony, which has been set for May 26, the Thursday before Memorial Day. Smith said the exact time has yet to be set, but it will likely be between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

 

The Memorial is situated in the city parking lot along Main Street near the Circle K. It is across the street from All Saints Catholic Church.