Information submitted by Kathi Thompson
On Wednesday, July 3, strap in for two final events to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Memorial, the suspension bridge traversing the Tippecanoe at the Winamac Town Park. There will actually be two events. They are timed so that you can enjoy one or both.
The First Event: Burial and Dedication Ceremony at 5:30 PM, Veterans Memorial Park, corner of U.S. 35 and Washington Street
Memorial was dedicated on July 4, 1923, to veterans from Pulaski County who served in all wars. One hundred years later, at the end of a community-based lighting project, a vault was donated to preserve its history for future generations. The vault now contains 100 years of documented history of the bridge and as much information about local veterans as Project members were able to gather.
The Honorable Mary Welker and the Honorable Crystal Kocher will dedicate the vault as it is buried and will also dedicate a cast bronze memorial marker. The marker notes the 100-year history of the bridge, the builder, and the bridge’s place in our county’s history. The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by local Scouts, and prayers will be given by Casey Stephens, a Chaplain with the Indiana Guard Reserve. The marker will exhort and remind the community to dig up and open the vault in 2074 and to once again dedicate the bridge to veterans.
An Evening At The Bridge: 6:00 PM, Winamac Park (east side) At The Memorial Swinging Bridge
This free family-friendly event is less of an event than a scheduled “happening.” The evening will feature music by the wildly popular local band, Hidden In Plain Sight, playing until 10:00. Bring a picnic, drinks of your choice, lawn chairs, and a light spirit! Desserts will be available from The Mobile Sweet Tooth. The lights that will come on at dusk will round out the evening.
This is the last day of the 4-H Fair; the Auction begins at 6:00. Be prepared for lots of traffic!
Historical Note
Memorial is the third-oldest remaining, in-use suspension bridge in the State of Indiana. Only the bridge at Turkey Creek State Park and the Foster Park Footbridge in Fort Wayne are older. That Memorial has withstood the river for 100 years is a testament to its builder’s foresight. It holds a place in State history as one of a few that have stood the test of time. See a register of suspension bridges, past and present, at https://memorialswingingbridge.com/suspension-bridges-in-indiana.
These events are sponsored by the Memorial Swinging Bridge Project and the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce.
