American Legion Riders lead a convoy across the newly named Missouri Fallen Soldiers Memorial Bridge following a dedication ceremony Saturday.
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A year in the making, the bridge that spans Lake Springfield on U.S. 65 was dedicated as the Missouri Fallen Soldiers Memorial Bridge on Saturday.
“The bridge is being dedicated to Missouri’s fallen soldiers, soldiers who have fallen in the line of duty,” said Jason Lannan, 17th district commander of the American Legion. He has served in the military since 1997 and currently serves as a staff sergeant in the Missouri Army National Guard.
Following a reception, a convoy led by American Legion Riders traveled across the bridge and back. Two new signs denote the name of the bridge, which is just south of U.S. 60.
The dedication, spearheaded by Lannan, included state and area dignitaries, including Missouri Sen. Jay Wasson, Missouri Sen. Bob Dixon, and the Missouri National Guard’s Brig. Gen. J. Marty Robinson.
For his part, Lannan’s efforts toward the dedication are part and parcel with “giving back to the community.”
“Giving back to vets is important to me. That’s what I work toward,” he said.
