ENID, OK - The Veterans Memorial Bridge, which carries traffic over the BNSF Rail Yard at the 600 block of N Van Buren in Enid, Oklahoma, was dedicated May 28 at 10:30 am at ABC Park.
Speakers and other program participants for the event included: State Commander Michael Merit of VFW Oklahoma, ODOT’s Secretary of Transportation Tim Gatz, Commander 71 FTW Colonel Jay A. Johnson, Oklahoma District 19 Senator Roland Pederson, Oklahoma District 40 Representative Chad Caldwell, Mayor George Pankonin, Spiritual Dancer Michael Littlevoice of the Ponca/Omaha Tribe, Pastor Wade Burleson of Emmanuel Enid, and the Enid High School JROTC.
Work on the project began in 2018 to demolish and rebuild the entire overpass. As work continued on the bridge the Enid AM AMBUCS were busy working behind the scenes to add a patriotic touch to the project.
Enid AM AMBUCS obtained approval to name the overpass the Veterans Memorial Bridge and will fly around 200 American flags on holidays and special occasions along both sides of the bridge. Along with the American flags there will be seven service flags.
The idea to name the new bridge in honor of veterans, and to add the American flags, was an extension of AMBUCS already placing 300 flags around the downtown square and along the Van Buren and Garriott corridors. They have continued this tradition for the last 10 years.
Enid AM AMBUCS places American flags out about 14 times a year to honor patriotic holidays and for community parades and other events. The flags on the bridge will now be added during those special occasions.
The addition of the flags had to be approved by ODOT. AMBUCS members submitted the idea to ODOT. They approved the project and were really impressed by the fact that it wouldn't cost the state any money. Enid AM AMBUCS agreed to pay for the flags.
Legislative approval was required for the naming of the bridge in honor of veterans. ODOT worked with state Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, to add the renaming proposal to House Bill 2519. No other bridge in Oklahoma had been called Veterans Memorial Bridge.
To help offset the cost of the flags, AMBUCS sells one-year sponsor subscriptions for $60, which covers the bracket, placement and pickup of the flags and upkeep of the flags and brackets. The subscription model enables local citizens and businesses to honor veterans on the bridge.
The flag project is a visible sign to residents and visitors of the community's appreciation for veterans sacrifices. It is an extension of the AMBUCS history of supporting disabled veterans.
Citizens and businesses interested in purchasing a subscription to sponsor a flag or multiple flags on the Veterans Memorial Bridge can call (580) 233-7799.
National AMBUCS, Inc. is a nonprofit charitable organization with a diverse membership dedicated to inspiring mobility & independence. The mission of the Enid AM AMBUCS civic club is to create mobility and independence for people with disabilities. They do this thru AmTryke giveaways, scholarships for therapists, ramp builds and more. The club meets at 7am every Friday at the Stride Bank Center.
