Thursday, August 28, 2008

Springfield, Belvoir honor community growth

Springfield families, military veterans, local businesses and other civic groups came together Tuesday to celebrate Springfield’s annual Bridge Walk across Veterans Bridge.

The Bridge Walk is an annual event held to commemorate the completion of the Veterans Bridge in Springfield, honor the areas Veterans, and celebrate the growth and revitalization of Springfield.

Veterans Bridge, also known as Amherst Avenue Bridge, crosses Old Keene Mill Road and links both sides of Springfield’s commercial revitalization area.

Since its beginning in August 2002, the event has become an annual family event connecting businesses, civic and political leaders, Fort Belvoir and local citizens in the spirit of one-shared community.

Keynote attendees included Fort Belvoir Installation Commander Col. Jerry Blixt, Supervisor Jeff McKay, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Gerry Connelly, Senator George Barker, Delegate Vivian Watts and Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity.

Blixt, Fort Belvoir Installation Command Sgt. Maj. Tracey Anbiya, Lt. Col. Lisa Winger and the color guard from American Legion Post led the walk across the bridge.

Blixt and Anbiya attended the celebration to emphasize the shared sense of partnership and togetherness existing between the Springfield and Fort Belvoir communities.

“It is a great honor to be here tonight representing Fort Belvoir,” Blixt said. “I thank all of you for your support and I look forward to building even stronger relationships in the future.”

Several of the elected officials chose to bike across the bridge during the event to help promote biking in Lee District.

“Obviously with gas prices the way they are in Fairfax County, we are trying to recognize other ways to move around the community,”
McKay said. “I hope many of you will take advantage of doing that in the community and enjoy our great trails.”