Blake’s Hardware Bridge to be Designated ‘Purple Heart Memorial Bridge of Jefferson County’
(HARRISBURG) - House Speaker Sam Smith (R-Jefferson, Indiana, Armstrong) and Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson), today announced that the bridge on State Route 322 over North Fork Creek in Brookville, commonly known as the “Blake’s Hardware Bridge,” will be designated as the “Purple Heart Memorial Bridge of Jefferson County.”
The legislation making the change, House Bill 2349, has been approved by the state House and Senate and now awaits the governor’s signature.
“Jefferson County is home to many current and former active military members, including numerous Purple Heart recipients, who have served their local communities and their country with distinction and honor,” Smith said. “It is only fitting that we recognize these courageous men and women by naming a structure that so many pass over each day in their memory.”
The Purple Heart is awarded under the name of the President of the United States to members of the armed forces who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy. The award is given posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action.
To date, the Purple Heart has been awarded to more than 1.7 million individuals who have served since World War I.
“Counties across the Commonwealth have designated bridges in honor of Purple Heart recipients, and I am honored to add Jefferson County to this list,” Scarnati said. “This is a tangible reminder of the incredible courage and character displayed in battle by many individuals who lived and worked here in our own community.”
The idea to name this bridge evolved through a local effort. It is supported by Pennsylvania’s District 19 Veterans of Foreign Wars Commander, William Littlefield, and numerous other individuals and organizations.
State Representative Sam Smith
The Speaker
66th District, Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Contact: Kelly Fedeli
kfedeli@pahousegop.com
717.645.4913