State Senator Larry Crowder, Manzanola High School Class of '56, led off the speakers at the dedication of SSG Justin L. Vasquez Memorial Bridge, commending the many patriots who have come from "the heartland of Southeastern Colorado." He said, "From the time of the Revolutionary War, no American soldier who died in action has died in vain. SSG Vasquez did not die in vain. It is our job to see that their memory is respected." Crowder served in Vietnam, when returning military were sometimes not respected, and intends to see to it that such a situation does not happen again.
Shirley Adams, mayor of Manzanola, said SSG Vasquez went that extra mile and became an American hero. He was a likable young man. "We always remember him with a smile on our faces," she said.
John Newton of Castle Rock was the principal speaker, who belongs to a group of people who are dedicated to "Bridges for the Fallen." Newton has traveled quite a bit in the eastern part of the U.S. and noticed most of the bridges are dedicated to American heroes. He and others worked through Sen. Crowder and Rep. Clarice Navarro to have a bridge on State Highway 207 a few miles north of Manzanola dedicated to the memory of SSG Vasquez.
Memorials to Vasquez, such as the SSG Justin L. Vasquez Memorial Park in Manzanola, are financed and maintained through the annual Justin L. Vasquez Memorial Poker Run. Newton said the Colorado Department of Transportation and Governor Hickenlooper had worked together flawlessly with the legislature to have the bridge dedicated to Vasquez. The sign is already posted at the bridge. He urged those who intended to go out to the bridge, "Be careful at the bridge site." The banks are soft due to the continuing flooding conditions.
Newton, on behalf of his two sons in the Navy, gave medals to Vicky Bosley (mother of Justin) and Tino Vasquez. American Legion Post #9 Historian Jody Bracy presented them with plaques on behalf of the post. Post #9 also furnished the color guard for the ceremony.
Rep. Clarice Navarro, who was raised in Las Animas and worked in her grandparents' cafe in Rocky Ford, stressed "the impact of SSG Justin Vasquez on our community. His example helps us to be Southern Colorado Strong."
