To see photos as the lights change, until the webpage is taken down in December 2024, go to Our Legacy Continues!
Acknowledgments
We cannot thank the volunteers who were a part of the Memorial Swinging Bridge Project enough. You know who you are. You gave an hour; you gave a couple of months; you gave years. You were here when you were needed.
We acknowledge the Town of Winamac and the Board of Parks & Recreation for their dedication to this Veterans’ Memorial and for their cooperation and assistance over a four-year period.
The Project would not have gotten past “go” without the sponsorship of VFW Post 1728. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you! In particular, Deb Fox, Quartermaster, collaborated with our committees at every step along the way.
Special thanks go to the crew that met the time constraints to light this bridge: Associated Controls + Design, Long Electric, and Winamac Town employees.
Saving Our History
Our history will be maintained in a (very large) folder at the Pulaski County Historical Society. The folder contains:
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- Donors
- Grants
- Memorials & Honorariums
- Lights (Buy-A-Light Program)
- Events
- Art Auction
- Memorial Swinging Bridge Project Team
- National Register Application (History of the Bridge)
- History of the Bridge (and various Town items) from the Website
- Town Council Permission for the Illumination Project
- The Illumination Project ENews 2020 through 2023
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Side view of the vault supplied by Frain Mortuary and Akron Concrete Products. Veterans of Pulaski County (PDF version of a PowerPoint program featuring approximately 1,500 veterans from all wars).
- Veterans of Pulaski County (West Side Only)
- Veterans Memorial Index (over 3,000 names of veterans from Pulaski County)
Another copy of this folder will be buried in a vault, both place and time to be opened (50 or 100 years) to be determined.
Videos of Veterans of Pulaski County can be found on the Project’s YouTube page. The videos have a musical background that includes an original piece composed and performed by Aaron Paulson.
A SCRAPBOOK of the Project will also be maintained at the Pulaski County Historical Society Museum.
Renovations
The Town of Winamac began work on the bridge in the fall of 2022. Southern Road and Bridge was the contractor. Work resumed in the spring of 2023 and was completed in time for the lights to be installed. These first photos are of the renovations. They are not in order! Click on the thumbnails to see the full photos.
Spring Drone Photos
Click on the thumbnails to see the full photos.
Installation of Lights
The work of installation began in late May 2023 and continued through June. Other photos of bridge renovations (provided by the Town of Winamac) and light installation can be found in earlier newsletters. Find those HERE.
Associated Controls + Design, Long Electric, and town employees did whatever it took to get the lights on! Including going for a swim!
Click on the thumbnails to see full photos.
The Lights, Installed
Some folks were worried they would be able to “see” the lights. My response, generally, was that they would not be invisible! This is how they appear when mounted and not turned on. Security cameras were a late addition to the project. They are on both towers, placed in the center between two spotlights. You’ll also see a photo of the “switch” that will turn them on. Click on the thumbnails to see full photos.
Lights Being Tested
The installers tried to keep the testing under wraps, but it had to be done! We could see early on that the lights would reflect nicely in the river.
Day of Celebration / Rededication
What a glorious day! The weather couldn’t have been better! To see the itinerary, click on the thumbnails below.
Youth Baseball & Softball
Jon Frain organized the teams that played, mirroring the activities of the day in 1923 when Memorial was first dedicated. Participants were from Warrior Youth Baseball, West Central Youth League, and Winamac Girls Softball. Coaches Jon Frain, Pat Holly and Justin Dommer. Click on the thumbnails to see full photos.
Around the Park…
We were happy to have safety and security personnel present. The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, Winamac Police Department, Pulaski County EMS, and Pulaski County R.E.A.C.T. were available in the event we needed them.
Several guests got into the spirit of things! Dazzling in patriotic dress are Brooke Rausch and Linzy Walters.
A very tall Uncle Sam handed out toys and flags. Noah Young was Sam on Stilts. We were also honored with Uncle Sam on a Unicycle, Ronnie Thomas. Our own Model Bridge was on display.
Several food vendors were there to feed the hungry! They served until the very end, near midnight! They were One Eyed Jack’s, Taco Garden, Sunrise Harvest Farms, Yimmyz Backyard Barbecue, B.E.B.Y.’s Sweet Treats, Mobile Sweet Tooth, Main Street Bakery, and The Patio Drive In.
A cannon and three howitzers were on display on the west side of the bridge (the artesian well park). They provided the 21 gun salute at the end of the program. Jon Schmidt provided the howitzers and Andy Boersma the cannon.
Click on the thumbnails to see full photos.
Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts
These young men and women represent our future.
We don’t have photos of the Girls Scouts who handed out flags, but they came from Troops 52090 and 00439, as well as girls attached to Boy Scout Troop 222.
Boy Scouts from Troop 229 were at the celebration all day, helping around the park, leading the Pledge of Allegiance and joining with the Honor Guard. Click on the thumbnails to see full photos.
As In 1923, Culver Military Academy Was Represented
Culver Summer Schools & Camps Naval Band, under the direction of Dr. Michael Stone and assistant director Mr. Prince Alfaro, and led by Drum Major Hunter Wise, played the National Anthem twice. The first time was to open the youth baseball and softball games; the second was to open the rededication program. They also provided an echoing rendition of Taps to close the program.
During the program, they played a patriotic medley. Not as a part of the program, but as a nice extra during the afternoon, they played “Anchors Aweigh” from the bridge.
Click on the thumbnails to see full photos.
Opening The Celebration: 4:00 PM
Good afternoon and welcome! My name is Stan Czech. Thank you for being here today to be a part of such a historic event in our little community. An event that resembles another monumental event that took place, on these very grounds, 1oo years ago. On July 4th, 1923, just 5 years after World War I, the dedication ceremony for the brand-new Veterans Memorial Swinging Bridge took place right here. It was a fun filled festival that had music, food vendors, and baseball games. It welcomed many local and state dignitaries. Just like today! It was held not only to celebrate the construction of a permanent bridge that would allow people to walk across the river year-round, but it was primarily held as a dedication to the Soldiers and Sailors of Pulaski County.
It’s going to be a fantastic evening! Please stick around for the Centennial & Rededication Ceremony at 7:30 this evening.
Feel free to come and go as you please, but do not miss out on the grand ceremony at 7:30. … Also be sure to stick around for the Patriotic Grand Finale and the lighting of the bridge at 9:45. Until then, please enjoy watching the ball games getting ready to take place. Have a magical and memorable evening!
At this point, the scripted activities took place at the ball diamonds, for the youth baseball and softball games. The crowd gathered at 7:30 for the Rededication Program.
Centenary Celebration & Rededication: 7:30 PM
Good afternoon and welcome to the Centennial & Rededication Ceremony for our Veterans Memorial Swinging Bridge! My name is Stan Czech. I am the Post Commander of Pfost-Jones VFW Post 1728 here in Winamac.
I would like to begin by welcoming our guests of honor…The Veterans of Pulaski County, and all veterans. We thank you for your sacrifices and your service. We are here today to re-dedicate this Memorial bridge to you. …
Thank you all for being here today to be a part of such a historic event in our little community. This rededication ceremony is a reenactment of the original cere
I cannot express how humbling it is to be a part of such a meaningful ceremony. This well engineered structure has withstood the test of one hundred years. Behold this proud, white wonder which ties together both sides of our beautiful and proud town park.
This bridge has held a special place in the hearts of most everyone here today. Some of my fondest memories growing up: swimming, biking, floating, fishing, and catching crawdads under the rocks, all took place here. Now, I get to watch my kids build the same memories and I can almost guarantee that my grandchildren and maybe even great-grandchildren will have similar experiences.
It’s an impressive and interesting sight no matter what age you are. I bet there aren’t too many people out here who haven’t jumped, or shifted their weight back and forth, causing the bridge to sway, just to scare their brother or sister or cousin. In fact, a town ordinance was passed in 1934 to prevent climbing and swaying on the bridge. Believe it or not, but the ordinance is still in place, so don’t say I didn’t warn you!
As a combat veteran myself, I am honored that this bridge was built and dedicated as a Memorial to all of Pulaski county’s soldiers and sailors. That was a century ago. I am in awe at how this community has continued to recognize the bridge as a testament to the great strength and legacy of our veterans of Pulaski County past, present, and future.
From raising the money for the restoration and lighting project, to replicating an unprecedented celebration… all of this to honor me and all other veterans. I can’t think of very many things that are more meaningful than that. Thank you to the Memorial Swinging Bridge Project leaders and volunteers and everyone else who made this day possible.
Invocation, Casey Stephens, Representing American Legion Post 71
We did not receive a copy of the words spoken, but Mr. Stephens has a way of opening such occasions in a moving way.
Honoring The Fallen
Words from Stan Czech, Master of Ceremonies:
We will now recognize POW & Gold Star families. Initiated during World War I, the title “Gold Star” distinguishes a family member who lost a loved one in military service. Today, immediate family members receive a Gold Star from the Department of Defense, to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
From the USO Website: No one wants to be a Gold Star Family member. The title, which is reserved for the immediate family of military members who have died in the line of duty, is meant to honor the service member’s ultimate sacrifice while acknowledging their family’s loss, grief and continued healing. While “Gold Star Family” refers to immediate next of kin, the grief following the loss of a service member is immense and will be felt by other family members as well, for example, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
The Memorial Swinging Bridge Project chose to encourage every family member who grieves a veteran who died while serving in any branch of the military, whether in the line of duty or not, whether an “immediate” family member or not, to honor that veteran today.
Much like placing flowers at a tombstone, these families will be laying rose petals into the river to symbolize their love to the ones that they have lost.
The flower petals were supplied by Country Color Floral, Francesville, and The Floral Shop, Winamac.
Recognized were:
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- Second Lt. Larry Bonnell: KIA 1967.
- Petty Officer First Class Harry Kocher: KIA 1944.
- Lt. Corporal John William Parcel: KIA 1968.
- Master Sergeant Joshua Auxier: Died In Service 2020.
- Specialist Ryan Grandstaff: Died In Service 2014.
- Staff Sergeant Andrew Budd: Died In Service 2015.
Second Lt. Larry Gene Bonnell
Larry Gene Bonnell, twenty-three years old, was killed in a land mine explosion in Vietnam. The young officer, who was in the artillery, was riding a mortar-carrying vehicle that struck a Viet Cong mine. He was preparing to set up a mortar position. Lt. Bonnell entered the Army in August of 1965, following his graduation from Purdue. He had been in Vietnam since last December, and was a member of Headquarters company, 9th Div. Artillery.
Family representing Larry were stepbrother Kim Bonnell and Kim’s wife, Cindy. Click on the thumbnails to see full photos.
Ship’s Cook First Class Harry Kocher
Harry Kocher was born on June 21, 1908 and enlisted in the Navy on February 26, 1942. He received a Purple Heart and was killed in action on the aircraft carrier USS Suwanee in the naval battle of Leyte Gulf in the Philippines. His ship was hit by a Japanese kamikaze aircraft killing over 70 servicemen. He was buried at sea.
Bill Kocher, Nephew; Neena Weaver, Great niece; Layne Weaver, Great Great nephew; Brody Weaver, Great Great nephew; Nyla Weaver, Great Great niece; Brian Kocher, Great nephew; Brooks Kocher, Great Great nephew; Logan Kocher, Great Great nephew; (other family members were on the bridge too). Click on the thumbnails to see full photos.
LPC (Lance Corporal) John William Parcel
John William Parcel served in the U.S. Marine Corp: 1 year of service – 1967 – 1968; Tour of Duty Jan. 27, 1969 – KIA April 22, 1968; Hostile battle, operation Pegasus. This operation was to relieve the Siege of Khe Sanh. The main US forces defending Khe Sanh Combat Base were two regiments of the US Marine Corps supported by elements from the Army and Air Force. This took place in South Vietnam in the Quant Tri Province. These were pitted against two to three divisional-size elements of the North Vietnamese People’s Army of Vietnam.
Family representing John’s family: Mary Parcel Schultz, Sister; Kent Schultz, Brother-in-law; Mark Schultz, nephew- was not able to attend. Click on the thumbnails to see full photos.
Master Sergeant Joshua Auxier
Joshua Auxier (pronounces Oxier) enlisted in the Indiana Army National Guard at age 17. Josh was proud to serve his country and throughout his service with the National Guard, he was deployed 3 times, to Bosnia and Iraq in 2003 and 2008. Josh served 18 years of active duty service. He was assigned to the following Units; A Co 1-152 Infantry; 21 Feb 1998-31 Mar 2005; A Co 1-151 Infantry 01 Apr 2005-07 Feb 2011; HHC 1-151 Infantry 08 Feb 2011- 26 May 2014; HHC 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team 27 May 2014-08 Jan 2016; HHB 1-163 Field Artillary 09 Jan 2016-20 Oct 2020. He died at the age of 39.
Family representing Joshua: Pam (Holcomb) Houston, Mother; John Speicher. Click on the thumbnails to see full photos.
SPC (Specialist) Ryan Grandstaff
FFamily representing Ryan: Paul Grandstaff, Father; Shannin Grandstaff, Step-mother; Kyle Grandstaff, Brother; Shannon Grandstaff, Sister-in-law; Tammy Hopkins, Mother. Click on the thumbnails to see full photos.
Staff Sergeant Andrew Budd
Andrew Budd enlisted in the US Army on January 14, 2009, serving in the Signal Brigade specializing in Satellite Communications. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on December 1, 2012, and was posthumously promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was the recipient of the Army Commendation Medal, 3 (Posthumous), Army Achievement Medal, 4, Army Good Conduct Medal, 2, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal w/Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and a Meritorius Unit Commendation. While serving in the Army he assisted in the cleanup, recovery and establishing communications following the earthquake in Haiti. He also served in Iraq, Turkey, and had been stationed in Germany and Texas.
Family representing Andrew: Leanne Behny, mother; John Behny, step-father; Victor and Judy Heater, grandparents; Becky Kopka, sister; Courtney Kopka, niece. Click on the thumbnails to see full photos.
Congratulations by Local and State Officials
The Honorable Kendell Culp, State Representative, District 16
It’s an honor to be a part of this Centennial Celebration. Pulaski Co. Should be proud of this day.
This event shouldn’t be taken lightly. It is possible because of the countless hours of volunteer time to achieve a common goal; to raise funds to refurbish this Memorial bridge that was erected to honor veterans a century ago.
I can’t think of a more honorable group to recognize and pay tribute to than the service men and women from Pulaski Co. who have served and sacrificed from the Civil War to the present so we may be free and have the opportunity to assemble here today.
Communities are important. The legislative district I represent is full of small rural communities. Successful communities have many things in common, but one thing in particular are their people.
Communities are only as strong as those who are willing to step forward and participate. When that takes place, great things can happen, as we see here today.
This event and the success you have had in both raising the necessary funds and attracting volunteers shows the closeness of Pulaski Co. and the town of Winamac.
Woven together, you are a tight knit community. The folks at the statehouse are very impressed with your accomplishment here.
As I shared the details of today’s event with the Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives, he was excited to hear of the comradery and cohesiveness this community has shown.
Community spirit does not happen accidentally. It’s part of the fabric that makes you what and who you are.
So, on behalf of Speaker Todd Huston and myself as your State Representative, I present this proclamation from the state of Indiana.
A Proclamation Recognizing The Pulaski County Veteran’s Memorial Swinging Bridge
WHEREAS, in the year 1923, the Winamac Town Council, Winamac Park Association, and the Winamac Kiwanis Club joined together to construct a permanent pedestrian walkway from the Town’s new campground to the private park on the peninsula, and
WHEREAS, the bridge was constructed following World War I with the intent to honor all soldiers and sailors from Pulaski County from the Civil War forwards, and
WHEREAS, numerous citizens of the community came together, donating their time to raise funds for the purpose of refurbishing and illuminating the Veteran’s Memorial Swinging Bridge to properly recognize and honor all veterans from Pulaski County, and
WHEREAS, in recognition of the Memorial Bridge’s One Hundred Year Anniversary, the State of Indiana offers congratulations for the celebration and re-dedication to be held on July 3, 2023.
BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the State of Indiana does hereby recognize the historic impact the Veterans Memorial Swinging Bridge has had on Pulaski County and the honor it holds for veterans of Pulaski County.
Signed:
Todd M. Huston, Speaker of the House, 123rd General Assembly
Kendell Culp, State Representative, House District 16
Maurice Loehmer, Pulaski County Board of Commissioners
Commissioner Loehmer read the proclamation signed by the Board of Commissioners on February 3, 2023.
A Proclamation of Pulaski County, Indiana, Designating July 3, 2023, Veterans’ Memorial Swinging Bridge Day
WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of Pulaski County, Indiana (the “Board of Commissioners”), is responsible for the performance of various functions for Pulaski County (the “County”); and
WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners recognizes that in the year 1923, the Winamac Town Council, Winamac Park Association, and the Winamac Kiwanis Club, joined together to construct a permanent pedestrian walkway from the Town’s new campground to the private park on the peninsula; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners understands and acknowledges that the bridge was constructed following World War I, and in naming the bridge “Memorial,” the intent was and still is to honor all soldiers and sailors from Pulaski County, from the Civil War forwards; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of the strength and tenacity of this bridge, and in special recognition of the Memorial Bridge’s One Hundred Year Anniversary, the Board of Commissioners wishes to offer congratulations for the celebration and re-dedication to be held on July 3, 2023.
BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the Board of Commissioners does hereby recognize the historic impact this bridge has on Pulaski County and the honor it holds for veterans of Pulaski County. We do adopt this Resolution and proclaim July 3, 2023, to be Veterans’ Memorial Swinging Bridge Day.
Adopted by the Board of Commissioners of Pulaski County, via majority vote on February 3, 2023.
Town of Winamac
The Town of Winamac was not on the program to read their proclamation. However, they were the first to declare July 3, 2023 Veterans’ Memorial Swinging Bridge Day. We honor and thank them!
Todd Zeiger, Director, Northern Regional Office, Indiana Landmarks
Mr. Zeiger did not keep a copy of his speech, so we will just do a little riff here!
He talked about the historic nature of the bridge and his pride in being involved from the beginning of the process. (He attended early meetings of the Memorial Swinging Bridge Project to make certain we were doing nothing to damage a historic bridge.)
He provided assistance in the completion of an application to the National Historic Register (this has not been submitted), and he was material in the receipt of a grant that assisted the Town of Winamac in early engineering studies.
In Recognition of Donors
CreatINg Places
Words spoken by Master of Ceremonies, Stan Czech. I would like to recognize The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, through their program called CreatINg Places. This group is charged to help communities build upon their own assets to create places that are accessible to everyone.
The Memorial Swinging Bridge Project received a challenge grant from CreatINg Places. Their challenge was to raise $30,000 in a two-month period. If that was accomplished, the Project would receive another $30,000.
This challenge drove the Project to raise nearly $60,000 in a two-month period. With the receipt of $30,000 from IHCDA, that two-month total became $90,000.
Leeann Wright, Executive Director, Community Foundation of Pulaski County
Words spoken by Master of Ceremonies, Stan Czech. Next, I’m going to introduce Leeann Wright, the Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Pulaski County. With their grant of $20,000, received late in 2021, the Project experienced a new burst of energy.
The Community Foundation of Pulaski County is proud to serve our community as a convener and leader to build the bridges that strengthen our community.
Today’s rededication of our Memorial Bridge shines a light on and celebrates the power of community.
This physical structure is more than a simple way to get from the east side to the west side of the river – it is a symbolic bridge that represents the interconnectedness of our community.
Strong communities, such as ours, have bridges between people, bridges between employers, bridges between organizations – all sorts of bridges that span chasms and divisions and build connections between our residents. These connections are what add value to our community at large.
These bridges – our connected community – are critical to the overall wellbeing of Pulaski County. Much like the wires and suspension cables of our Memorial Bridge, when we come together collectively to complete projects and address issues, we strengthen our sense of kinship, camaraderie, and connectedness.
There is a role for each person, and each group here in our county – collectively we are the individual slats, cables, nuts, and bolts that form the bridge of Pulaski County.
Our community can harness the power to bring ourselves together to build bridges and strengthen our sense of purpose: to make Pulaski County a place where all people feel valued, and our community’s needs are fully met.
Together, we are better. Together, we can build strong bridges and support systems. Together, we can continue to build a vibrant community that people take pride in being a part of. Together, we thrive.
Casey Crabb, Communications & Public Relations Manager, Carroll White REMC, Representing CoBank / Carroll White REMC Sharing Success Grant Program
Words spoken by Master of Ceremonies, Stan Czech. Please welcome with me Casey Crabb. Casey is the Communications & Public Relations Manager of Carroll White REMC Operation Round Up Trust. We had an idea in early 2021 that this gift might be coming. It arrived to the tune of $20,000 in the first quarter of 2022, through the CoBank/Carroll White REMC Sharing Success Grant Program.
We did not receive a copy of Mr. Crabb’s speech. He spoke off the cuff!
In Regard To All Donors
Words spoken by Master of Ceremonies, Stan Czech. Thank you again, to these three major donors, and thank you, to the nearly 1,000 donors who made this possible. From the young man who dropped 25 cents into the jar at last year’s County Fair to the people who gave in the thousands, as a veteran, I thank you!
Closing the Program
Sheila Corcoran, Commander, VFW Department of Indiana
We did not receive a copy of Commander Corcoran’s speech.
She had taken the time to research this bridge and the Memorial Swinging Bridge Project. She noted the veterans’ index from that website and that it holds over 3,000 names of Pulaski County veterans. [Editor’s note – the index is not complete There is no one place to go to find out who from Pulaski County served in the military.]
Judges of Pulaski County: The Honorable Mary Welker, Judge, Circuit Court & The Honorable Crystal Kocher, Judge, Superior Court
Judge Kocher did not keep a copy of her notes, so her words will not be repeated. As a part of her address, she mentioned her work with the Veterans’ Treatment Court and noted how proud she was to see program participants and graduates in the crowd.
From Judge Welker: I am honored to be included in these events this evening.
All of us, in some way, have been touched by those who gave service to this Country.
Memorial Bridge recognizes the service of all Pulaski County service Members and the loss of those who served and lost their lives.
Memorial Bridge is a permanent and fitting Memorial to those Pulaski County residents who served in all wars; and an enduring Memorial to those who gave all. Memorial Bridge has spanned the years and will continue to serve as a reminder to us all. This Rededication serves to recognize once again, as a community, those who have served.
The Courts of Pulaski County Indiana now make the following findings:
- On July 4, 1923, the Memorial Bridge was dedicated to all Pulaski County Soldiers lost in wars.
- On this 100th anniversary of the dedication, the Pulaski County Community has come together to rededicate the Memorial Bridge.
- The Pulaski County Judges find this is a fitting and appropriate action to take.
- The Pulaski County Community has defended this Country when called to do so.
- Since 1923, Pulaski County Citizens have continued to serve in many branches of the military.
- Prior to the 1923 dedication, and through this 100th year anniversary, additional Pulaski County Citizens have served and some have lost their lives.
- Such valor should be recognized in a fitting memorial, such as the Memorial Bridge.
- Such losses to Pulaski County’s Gold Star Families should be honored with a public and enduring memorial.
WHEREFORE, by the powers vested in the Pulaski County Courts, Judge Crystal Kocher and Judge Mary Welker, now find it appropriate, and do now declare the Pulaski County Memorial Bridge REDEDICATED in the honor of all Pulaski County military and service people who have served and those who lost their lives as a result of their service to this Country.
So Declared on this July 3, 2023, the 100th Anniversary of Memorial Bridge’s dedication.
Judge Crystal Kocher, Pulaski Superior Court
Judge Mary C. Welker, Pulaski Circuit Court
This Declaration / Dedication was assigned a case number in Pulaski County’s Circuit Court: 66C01-2307-CB-000031
Benediction, The Rev. Leroy G. Kinnamon, Representing the Winamac Kiwanis Club
O God, we praise you and bless you. You are the God of the past, God of the present and God of the future.
You spoke to us a message of peace and taught us to live as brothers and sisters. Your message took form in the vision of our founding fathers as they fashioned a nation where we might live as one, one nation under God. This message lives on in our time as our task for today and a promise for tomorrow.
As we gather today to re-dedicate this bridge in memory of those who have fought and died for that peace, we remember all the names listed on the courthouse plaque.
This bridge represents our county’s legacy. It is important to celebrate this legacy on the centenary anniversary of its dedication. Countless citizens have served our county proudly. This project enhances our pride and respect for those who have given – or were willing to give – their lives in service to their country.
Perhaps Abraham Lincoln said it best: it is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead, we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion, that we highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people and for the people shall not perish from the earth. O God, we praise you and bless you. Amen!
Honoring Our Veterans
An Honor Guard was present and provided colors. The Guard was comprised of members from Pfost-Jones VFW Post 1728 and American Legion posts from around Pulaski County. They were joined by state officials from the VFW and the American Legion and were followed across the bridge by the Boy Scouts.
At this point, the program ended. Ceremonies picked up again at 9:45.
Patriotic Grand Finale
Organized by Patrick Schuttrow, the Drama Director of Eastern Pulaski Community Schools
Pulaski County has been represented in every U.S. war by soldiers who at some point in their lives made their homes here. They include soldiers from:
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- The American Revolution
- The War of 1812
- The Mexican War
- The Civil War
- The Spanish-American War
- World War I
- World War II
- The Korean War
- The Vietnam War
- Desert Shield / Desert Storm
- The Afghanistan War
- The Iraq War
It was for the Pulaski County soldiers who proudly answered the nation’s call to duty that this footbridge bridge across the Tippecanoe River was dedicated in July 1923, and now – 100 years later – we celebrate it for that same noble reason.
The closing ceremony featured veterans and volunteers who came forward to honor Pulaski County soldiers from every U.S. war. They wore their own uniforms, or vintage or reproduction uniforms from the Pulaski County Historical Society collection or the Winamac Community High School drama department.
The photos below depict Drummer Chad Watts, dressed in vintage military fatigues, crossing the bridge to begin the Patriotic Grand Finale, and Maddox Bucinski, dressed as a War of 1812 soldier, singing “God Bless the USA” as the bridge is illuminated. Click on the thumbnails to see full photos.
The Program Is Over. The Legacy Remains.
Reminder of Our “Before”
These photos show the bridge at night, not illuminated. These photos are also pre-renovations. As a reminder, all bridge renovations were handled by the Town of Winamac.
To us, still beautiful, still majestic, but now … it is so much better, both in body, with the renovations, and in spirit, with the illumination.
Again, many thanks to the Town of Winamac for the renovations! Click on the thumbnails to see full photos.
Lighting Our Legacy!
The following photos of the bridge are from John Downing. They show the possibilities of color combinations that can be displayed.
Click on the thumbnails to see full photos.
Our Donors
We no longer accept contributions. If you want to be a part of maintaining the bridge or the lights, contact the Town of Winamac to ask about opportunities to make contributions.
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- (574) 946-3451 / townmanager@townofwinamac.com
- Or mail to: 120 West Main Street, Winamac IN 46996
The donors to this project were and continue to be amazing! If you are interested in seeing who they are, check out these pages.
The website will remain active until December 9, 2024. These records will not be lost. They will be maintained in a binder at the Pulaski County Historical Society’s museum.
The Memorial Swinging Bridge Project was sponsored by the VFW Post 1728 of Winamac IN, EIN 35-0827207, a 501(c)19 organization, and as such, any contributions were tax deductible. No goods or services were provided in exchange for contributions.
This Project Was Funded In Part By Grants From The Following
Indiana Housing and Community Development Association (IHCDA) CreatINg Places, empowering local placemaking projects through crowdfunding, access to matching grants and hands-on project coaching for over six years.
The Community Foundation of Pulaski County, Inc., made possible by generous donors since 1997.
CoBank / Carroll White REMC Sharing Success Grant Program, facilitated by Carroll White REMC Operation Round Up, a voluntary customer-funded program providing assistance to communities.
Fulton County REMC Operation Round Up, a voluntary customer-funded program providing assistance to communities.
The Luminous Fund, a donor advised fund, partnering with the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne (CFGFW).
An early grant was received – via a circuitous route – from the Efroymson Family Fund through the Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF). With the assistance of Indiana Landmarks, the Efroymson family awarded a grant to the Pulaski County Historical Society. These funds were passed to the Town of Winamac to provide early engineering services for Memorial’s renovations.
About Us
Memorial Swinging Bridge Project
Memorial is Featured in the following online inventories:
In Closing
It has been my pleasure to be the editor of this website and the e-newsletter since January of 2020. From the beginning, for me in mid-2019, this has been an amazing journey! Thank you for coming along with us!
