Veterans Bridge Plaque Dedicated Monday

(KNSI)—City officials and senior members of Minnesota American Legion Post 76 were on hand Monday afternoon to officially dedicate a new plaque at the northwest corner of Veterans Bridge.

The span was completed in 1971 and officially given its current name in 1973. It replaced the aging St. Germain Street Crossing, which dates back to the days of horse and buggy and initially was tracked to allow street cars, not automobiles, to pass from one side of the Mississippi River to the other.

The Veterans Bridge got its name because planners decided to move the western end to 1st Street North since it was a shorter distance across. The change is why East and West St. Germain Street no longer connect. The site already had a building on it, American Legion Post 76, and they began a relocation campaign. The post moved to the 1300 block of Lincoln Avenue, where the River Crest Apartments are today.

The post’s move came at a time when it had an astounding 800+ members. Commander Curt Hutchens tells KNSI News that its ranks were swelled from World Wars I and II and the Korean War. Today, Hutchens says the membership is just over 100.

The sacrifice of the veterans is now honored permanently. A minimalist version of the logo for the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy is just below the city plaque.

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