Womans Veterans Bridge Dedication

Robert K. Yosay | Posted April 16th 2018

At a ceremony Monday, local lawmakers unveiled a sign that will designate the flag-adorned Mahoning Avenue bridge over state Route 11 as the women veterans memorial bridge. The idea originated with Leo Connelly, former commander of Disabled American Veterans District 9, who said the honor has been a long time coming. “It took us 15 years to educate the public, but [women veterans] are filing getting the long-overdue respect they deserve,” Connelly said. “This sign is going to make people never forget our women vets.” Women comprise 20 percent of new military recruits, 18 percent of the National Guard and reserve forces, 15 percent of those on active duty and 10 percent of the country’s 22 million veterans, he said.