Thanking Those Who Serve: Dedicating the Purple Heart Memorial Bridge of Jefferson County

Last week, I was in Brookville, Pa., for the dedication of the "Purple Heart Memorial Bridge of Jefferson County." Central Pennsylvania is home to so many active service members and veterans that have served our country with honor, for which we owe them a debt of gratitude for their patriotic sacrifice. Brookville, with its strong ties to our veterans and military, is a fitting location for this tribute. This designation is a mark of respect to the courageous men and women of Jefferson County who will be remembered for generations to come.

From the Courier Express:

Ceremony dedicates Jefferson Co. Purple Heart Bridge
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
BROOKVILLE - The bridge formerly known as the "Blake's Hardware Bridge" in Brookville is now the "Purple Heart Memorial Bridge of Jefferson County."
The renaming took place earlier today when the official signs were unveiled during a ceremony attended by Purple Heart recipients from Jefferson County and western Pennsylvania, representatives from several local veterans groups, and local dignitaries. Among those attending was Lance Corporal Ryan Blochberger of Brookville, a Purple Heart recipient who was seriously wounded in Afghanistan in May 2011.
At the urging of the local veterans groups, House Speaker Sam Smith (R-Jefferson, Indiana, Armstrong) sponsored the legislation necessary to rename the bridge. The measure was passed earlier this year by the House and guided through the Senate by Sen. Joe Scarnati.
During his remarks, Smith stressed that the bridge is dedicated to the memory of all Purple Heart recipients of Jefferson County. "Our actions today show that our community truly cares about our veterans from all wars," he said. "It shows that we have great pride in our service men and women and what they have done for our nation."
Smith recognized LCpl. Blochberger for his service to our nation and his mother, Patty Weaver, for her support of the bridge renaming. Reading a letter written by Weaver, he noted that many Purple Heart recipients who have come through battle still have obstacles they must overcome and that renaming the bridge is also a way of showing gratitude to the caretakers of veterans...

Full article: click here.