By BOB COUPLAND

Staff writer

HUBBARD — World Wars I and II veterans now have a lasting tribute as a bridge was dedicated Saturday in their memory.

An unveiling and dedication of the World War I and World War II Veterans Memorial Bridge took place on West Park Avenue next to St. Patrick Parish. More than 50 people attended the ceremony.

“As we continue our tradition of honoring our veterans here in the city of Hubbard, we are able to present this bridge to our veterans,” Mayor Ben Kyle said.

Kyle said county officials assisted in getting the small bridge restored.

“Our veterans have always been a beacon of freedom. A shining example of patriotism. During World War I and World War II, all men and women were asked to help. Our veterans here in the city answered that call. We continue this tradition here in Trumbull County of naming our bridges after our veterans. It serves as a reminder to everyone of their sacrifice and their service, not only to our county and our country, but worldwide,” Kyle said.

He said Trumbull County has the most named bridges for veterans in Ohio.

“This bridge serves as a lasting reminder and memorial to those men and women who served in World War I and World War II,” Kyle said.

Officials said there were 4.8 million veterans who served in World War I and 16 million who served in World War II.

John Raica, commander of American Legion Post 51, and Joe Warminski, commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3767, both in Hubbard, said the veterans deserve thanks and prayers for what they endured and accomplished for this nation.

Raica said there is one living local World War II veteran in Hubbard — Arthur Kourian, who is 97.

“Like many of you, I had several relatives who served in World War II. There were 16 million Americans who served in the armed forces during World War II. There are still 100,000 World War II veterans still living, including 6,000 women. Their median age is 98. We are losing 130 veterans each and every day. So if you see a veteran wearing a cap from World War II or Korea or Vietnam, go up to them and shake their hands and thank them for their service. It means a lot to them,” Raica said.

Warminski said this is “a meaningful bridge dedication” to remember those who served this nation.

He said World War II was the largest and bloodiest conflict in U.S. history.

“Little did any of those who served know of the many challenges they would face and the sacrifices they would have to make in those four years. The Battle of Midway, the D-Day Invasion, the Battle of the Bulge, the Battle of Iwo Jima and many other conflicts. This bridge reminds us of what these veterans were able to accomplish in the face of adversity. May we all be humbled by their sacrifices and grateful for their service,” Warminski said.

“We want to continue a tradition in Trumbull County in naming our bridges to honor veterans no matter if it is for veterans of wars past or currently serving. We want to make sure they are acknowledged and thanked for their service,” Kyle said.

He said it is important for the younger generation to remember the sacrifices so many men and women made.

“This bridge will serve as a lasting reminder and also an enduring tribute to those men and women,” Kyle said.

He said this is the third bridge in Hubbard city to be named and dedicated for veterans, and there is discussion to have another bridge dedication in 2025 for Korean War veterans.