(NASHVILLE) — State Representative Jimmy Eldridge (R-Jackson) and State Senator Ed Jackson (R-Jackson) joined with area leaders today to honor local Vietnam veterans with a bridge naming ceremony in Madison County.
A portion of State Route 5/ U.S. Highway 45(S. Highland Ave.) spanning the south fork of the Forked Deer River in the county will now be known as Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge in honor of the selfless sacrifices made by the local men and women who proudly served their state and country during the Vietnam War.
More than 14,000 Vietnam veterans reside in Madison County. Representative Eldridge and Senator Jackson believe this ceremony is a small way they can thank these brave patriots for their service to Tennessee and to our nation.
“We must never forget the sacrifices made by our brave veterans and all of our active duty service members and their families in the name of freedom,” said Representative Eldridge. “Today provides an opportunity to recognize and honor some of these important groups. I know this bridge will remind all of us of the remarkable sacrifices they have made and also inspire all who travel on this stretch of road to support our active duty service men, women, and their families.”
“I believe that renaming this bridge is an outstanding way for us to honor our local Vietnam heroes,” said Senator Jackson. “This memorial will serve as a consistent reminder of the sacrifices they have made defending our flag and our prosperity.”
Jimmy Eldridge is a member of the House Local Government and House Calendar & Rules Committee. He is also the Chairman of the House Consumer & Human Resources Committee and a member of the House Consumer & Human Resources Subcommittee. Eldridge lives in Jackson and represents House District 73, which is part of Madison County. He can be reached by email at: [email protected] or by calling (615) 741-7475.
Ed Jackson serves as 1st Vice-Chair of the Senate Government Operations Committee and is 2nd Vice-Chair of the Senate State & Local Government Committee. He is also a member of the Senate Health & Welfare Committee, as well as the Joint Government Operations Commerce, Labor, Transportation, & Agriculture, and the Joint Government Operations Education, Health & General Welfare Subcommittees. Jackson resides in Jackson and represents Senate District 27 which includes Madison, Crockett, Dyer, Lake, and Lauderdale Counties. He can be reached by email at: [email protected] or by calling (615) 741-1810.