Interstate Highway Bridges In Allegany County Memorialize Army Sergeant Killed In Line Of Duty

ALBANY, NY (10/05/2012)(readMedia)-- New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Commissioner Joan McDonald together with state and local officials today unveiled new road signs designating the bridges carrying Interstate 86 over State Route 305 in the Village of Cuba, Allegany County, as the "Sergeant Mark Bradley Memorial Bridge." The designation was made by state law in honor of a local Marine who died in Afghanistan last year.

"On behalf of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, the State Department of Transportation is honored and humbled to be able to pay this tribute to Sergeant Bradley," said Commissioner McDonald. "This designation and the signs on these bridges of Interstate I-86 over State Route 305 will always remind travelers of the dedicated and courageous service of Sergeant Bradley, who died while bravely serving his country."

Marine Sergeant Bradley died on June 16, 2011, at the age of 25, nearly two weeks after stepping on an improvised explosive device while serving in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan with the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. Sergeant Bradley graduated from Cuba-Rushford High School in 2003 and soon joined the Marine Corps. Although this was his first tour in Afghanistan, it was his fourth tour of duty overseas.

NYSDOT Regional Director Brian Kelly was joined this morning by Senator Catharine M. Young and Assemblyman Joseph M. Giglio at a ceremony to unveil the new road signs reading "Sergeant Mark Bradley Memorial Bridge."

Senator Young said, "Sergeant Mark Bradley was a brave young man who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country he loved. Today, we reflect on his life, remember how caring and generous he was, and how he followed his calling in life to become an 0311 Rifleman with the Marine Corps. Our community misses him and this bridge dedication will ensure the generations to come know about Sergeant Mark Bradley."

Assemblyman Joseph M. Giglio said, "We can never do enough to honor the life of a young soldier like Sergeant Mark Bradley, who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our great nation. It's a bittersweet day to have Sergeant Bradley's family with us during this proud moment for our community, as we remember one of our hometown heroes by designating the I-86 bridge crossing Route 305 in the Village of Cuba as the Sergeant Mark Bradley Memorial Bridge. It is an honor to have sponsored the legislation in the State Assembly. This bridge will be just one way we can commit to our hearts the ultimate sacrifice that Sgt. Mark Bradley made on our behalf."

Legislation designating the bridge was signed into law by Governor Cuomo in July. The signs were made and installed by NYSDOT.

###