Veterans Day in Phoenixville: Honoring Those Who Served

Several Phoenixville Borough representatives joined area veterans and state Sen. Andy Dinniman on a very windy Gay Street Veterans Memorial Bridge Friday. 

Back in June, a brief  and four flags were hung on the bridge. Since then, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1564 has been busy acquiring flags and now the bridge has the full amount of flags. 

According to John Lorusso, Post Adjutant and the Post Service Officer, after the bridge was renamed to honor veterans, the intent was then to fill it with flags. 

Phoenixville Council President Richard Kirkner, who represents the North Ward, said he drives over the bridge often. Each time people drive over the bridge, they can remember the service and sacrifices veterans made for the country. 

"I think it's a great thing to honor of veterans for all of your service and keeping us free," Kirkner said. 

Councilman Dave Gautreau brought his father, Bob Gautreau, a World War II veteran who was injured after stepping on a mine during the Battle of the Bulge. The elder Gautreau said he was honored to be there. Dinniman encouraged Bob Gautreau to continue telling his stories and attending events. 

"You need to keep reminding us what occurred," Dinniman said. 

The state senator said that Phoenixville is rich with events and places that honor veterans. He cited the Valley Forge Veterans Hospital and the Medal of Honor Grove as two examples. The Grove has been in the news recently because of fundraising efforts, and Dinniman said $100,000 was recently raised. 

Additionally, Route 23 will be named the "Medal of Honor Grove Highway" and Dinniman said signs will be made in early December and then dedicated shortly after. 

Dinniman said he hopes the gathering on the bridge will continue and grow. 

"Hopefully this will evolve into some large kind of ceremony every year," Dinniman said. 

The flags were purchased by VFW Post 1564 and they were erected by borough workers on Thursday in preparation for Veterans Day on Friday. 

"It's part of our giving back to to the community," Lorusso said.