The recently installed lantern-style fixtures replaced the previous cobra-head lights that once overlooked Route 462 from atop their perches lining the Veterans Memorial Bridge. Monies from federal, state, and local organizations, and private donors, funded the project. Currently, the new lights are operating on a temporary feed until PPL runs a permanent electric line.
Friday’s ribbon-cutting at the bridge marked the end of a 12-year saga and the realization of a dream for supporters of the project. The $2.3 million beautification project was originally proposed by Claire Storm of Columbia, who pushed for funding and convinced local and state officials and organizations to support the endeavor. Columbia Mayor Leo Lutz, Rivertownes PA, State Rep. Dave Hickernell, and State Senator Mike Brubaker were among those who got on board, in a joint effort involving Columbia, Wrightsville, and West Hempfield.
The date of the ceremony was chosen to conform closely with that of the original bridge opening in 1930. Friday was also National POW/MIA Recognition Day, a fitting coincidence since the bridge is dedicated to veterans. The ceremony included a motorcade of 20 1930s-era cars, many of which would have looked at home on the bridge 84 years ago.
Mistress of Ceremonies Meredith Jorgensen opened the event with remarks on the history of the bridge and its importance to Columbia and the surrounding areas.
Claire Storm’s son Albert, 1st Sergeant US Army Retired, spoke of the sacrifices of local veterans and poignantly remembered Columbian Bill Elliott, who was killed in the 1983 Beirut Barracks Bombing. Storm called the bridge a “unifying work of art.”
Local groups rounding out the observance were the Catholic War Veterans Post 1306 Color Guard and the Columbia High School Band.
Following remarks by local officials, Mrs. Storm, aided by her son, cut the ribbon on the Columbia side, marking both the conclusion of the project and the beginning of a new era for the historic bridge.
Claire Storm
Ribbon-cutting
Ribbon-cutting (another view)
Motorcade
Motorcade (another view)
Columbia Spy 
Outstanding shot of vintage automobiles driving on the bridge. This one photo sums up the desired outcome of this project without words!
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a huge shout out and thank you to Claire Storm for all her tireless endeavors!!!!!! Thank you. You are an amazing woman!
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classic
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Better coverage than the Lancaster newspaper! Thank you!
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While the turnout was good, I believe it would have been even better had it been held after normal workday hours or on a Sunday afternoon. Perhaps this was by design so only a select group could attend. The average work day is 7:00 am-3:30 pm. Still others have a 9-5 day. Even the students were still in school and could not attend. Sorry to the majority you missed a nice dedication ceremony.
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The event was scheduled so that dignitaries could attend. It's unfortunate that students couldn't have been dismissed early and chaperoned to the event to learn about local history. A great learning opportunity missed.
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I'm a bit peeved that the guy on the recumbent bike made himself part of the motorcade. He seemed to think it was about him. He ruined several shots of the procession. I could even have accepted it if he had been riding a vintage era bike.
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I couldn't agree more. I believe that is George Shinkosky.
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