Veterans honored INDOT's Director of Communication Andy Dietrick presented the likeness of the sign to be erected to Tim Conner of Delphi during the dedication ceremony. Comet photo by Debbie Lowe The bridge over the Wabash River near the stone quarry on US421 was renamed the Carroll County Veterans' Memorial Bridge in a dedication ceremony on Thursday.

INDOT's Director of Communication Andy Dietrick presented the likeness of the sign to be erected to Tim Conner of Delphi during the ceremony.

Conner said he contacted State Representative Rich McClain last July and asked him to introduce a resolution in the state house to rename the bridge to honor veterans. McClain and state Senator Brandt Hershman were present for the Thursday ceremony.

"We are here today to honor the veterans who have made the supreme sacrifice," Conner said during opening remarks.

Conner gave an emotional speech filled with anecdotes to illustrate the forces which drove him to pursue renaming the bridge.

"I cannot find the words to tell you how much you mean to me," he said. "I am not worthy of your company."

From one veteran to another Vietnam veteran David Weckerly salutes all fallen veterans at the ceremony. Comet photo by Debbie Lowe "This is the veterans' bridge and they have earned it," he concluded.

Approximately 50 locals attended the ceremony including Specialist Michael Hicks from Delphi. Hicks returned in March from a tour of duty with the Army National Guard in Iraq.

"It means a lot to me to see a sign dedicated to veterans," Hicks stated.

Delphi City Judge and Vietnam Veteran David Weckerly issued a speech in recognition of veterans and saluted all survivors, individually, by branches, as he named them.

"Thank you especially to those who did not come home," he said.

Dietrick said the permanent sign will be placed at the bridge within the next two months.