(Winamac, IN) - The iconic swinging bridge down in Winamac now has a glowing patriotic flair.

A rededication ceremony was held Monday night after red, white, and blue lights were added to the Veterans Memorial Bridge. The bridge, which spans the Tippecanoe River in the Winamac’s park, honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War I and now shines for all veterans. 

Those who organized the effort to spruce up the bridge say its opening in 1923 was one of the biggest public events of its time in this area. This week they tried to recreate that pageantry.

The Culver Academies Naval Band provided patriotic music. To honor fallen Pulaski County soldiers, Gold Star Families and relatives of POWs dropped rose petals from the bridge into the river. As a final touch, veterans and volunteers walked the bridge wearing military uniforms from every U.S. war. The Pulaski County Historical Society and Winamac High School’s drama department helped provide the attire.