NM 90 Bridge in Silver City now the Veterans Memorial Bridge

Photos and article by Mary Alice Murphy

The New Mexico 90 Bridge in Silver City was dedicated on Veterans' Day as the Veterans Memorial Bridge.

Veterans from three local service organizations posted the colors by marching from the south side of the bridge to the north side, where they stood with the flags flying in the breeze, while Eileen Piercy's class at Jos+

Veterans not part of the color guard followed with a vehicle carrying a World War II veteran and pulling a flatbed trailer with more World War II veterans. Korean War veterans followed afoot. And other veterans came behind.

American Legion Post 18 Commander Ray Davis served as master of ceremonies.

Silver City Mayor Ken Ladner explained that the town of Silver City's Council approached the New Mexico Department of Transportation to have the bridge named to honor veterans.

Town Councilor Jose Ray Jr., a veteran of the Vietnam Conflict, sponsored the resolution and helped plan the day. Participants in the afternoon's event included the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 358, the American Legion Post 18 and the Marine Corps League Detachment 1328.

"This is a historic event," Ladner said. "It is the first bridge in New Mexico to be named Veterans Memorial Bridge. It honors all veterans today, but will honor thousands of veterans as they drive over the bridge. They will see they are in an area that honors their service."

Trent Doolittle, New Mexico Department of Transportation District 1 Engineer, asked Transportation Committee member Kenneth White, who represents District 1, to speak.

"It is my great pleasure to be here as part of the Transportation Committee," White said. "It was our unanimous decision to name this bridge. We are pleased that this community thinks this bridge is worthy of this recognition."

Doolittle thanked all the veterans for their service. "We in District 1 are active here maintaining your roads. The request was submitted to us. We are honored and privileged to dedicate this bridge to the veterans."

Three veterans unveiled the sign, on the north side of the bridge. An identical sign is posted on the south side of the bridge.

Joe Martinez, field representative from Congressman Steve Pearce's office read a letter from the congressman congratulating the town for the dedication.

Piercy's class sang God Bless America.

Davis noted the great thing about the effort was that it had all veterans working together on the project.