End of a project, start of an era

The recently installed lantern-style fixtures replaced the previous cobra-head lights that once overlooked Route 462 from atop their perches lining the Veterans Memorial Bridge. Monies from federal, state, and local organizations, and private donors, funded the project. Currently, the new lights are operating on a temporary feed until PPL runs a permanent electric line.

Friday's ribbon-cutting at the bridge marked the end of a 12-year saga and the realization of a dream for supporters of the project. The $2.3 million beautification project was originally proposed by Claire Storm of Columbia, who pushed for funding and convinced local and state officials and organizations to support the endeavor. Columbia Mayor Leo Lutz, Rivertownes PA, State Rep. Dave Hickernell, and State Senator Mike Brubaker were among those who got on board, in a joint effort involving Columbia, Wrightsville, and West Hempfield.

The date of the ceremony was chosen to conform closely with that of the original bridge opening in 1930. Friday was also National POW/MIA Recognition Day, a fitting coincidence since the bridge is dedicated to veterans. The ceremony included a motorcade of 20 1930s-era cars, many of which would have looked at home on the bridge 84 years ago.

Mistress of Ceremonies Meredith Jorgensen opened the event with remarks on the history of the bridge and its importance to Columbia and the surrounding areas.

Claire Storm's son Albert, 1st Sergeant US Army Retired, spoke of the sacrifices of local veterans and poignantly remembered Columbian Bill Elliott, who was killed in the 1983 Beirut Barracks Bombing. Storm called the bridge a “unifying work of art.”

Local groups rounding out the observance were the Catholic War Veterans Post 1306 Color Guard and the Columbia High School Band.

Following remarks by local officials, Mrs. Storm, aided by her son, cut the ribbon on the Columbia side, marking both the conclusion of the project and the beginning of a new era for the historic bridge.

Vintage cars lining the plaza on the Columbia side

A driver in period attire

A member of the color guard

Representatives of Catholic War Veterans Post 1306 Color Guard

The crowd filtering in

The ribbon, awaiting the scissors

Mistress of Ceremonies Meredith Jorgensen

Ms. Jorgensen addressing the audience, with ribbon and bridge in the background

Columbia Mayor Leo Lutz

Members of the Columbia High School Band

Pastor Mark Kopp of St. James Lutheran Church

Albert C. Storm, Jr.

Vietnam War vets

State Senator Mike Brubaker

State Representative Dave Hickernell

Claire Storm

Claire and Albert Storm

The procession (with bridge lights in view) driving into history

Ribbon-cutting

Ribbon-cutting (another view)

Motorcade

Motorcade (another view)