Bridge Dedicated in Honor of Fallen Leominster Soldier

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Monday, July 09, 2012

GoLocalWorcester News Team

The Jonathan Roberge Memorial Bridge was dedicated today in memory of Roberge, who was killed in Iraq in February 2009.

Roberge was a 22 year old Private First Class in the United States Army, and was serving near Mosul, Iraq when the Humvee he was driving was attacked by insurgents with an improvised explosive device, taking his life. Roberge received the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart posthumously from the United States Army.

The bridge dedication was attended by Roberge’s family, Lt. Governor Timothy Murray, state senator Jennifer Flanagan, state representative Dennis Rosa and Leominster mayor Dean Mazzarella.

“Massachusetts is proud to honor our veterans and pay respect to those fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our country’s freedom,” said Murray, who is Chair of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans’ Services. “With this newly dedicated memorial bridge, our Administration joins the Roberge family, the Leominster community and our colleagues in the state legislature to remember Jonathan Roberge for his service to our Commonwealth and our country.”

"The City of Leominster, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the United States of America will be forever grateful for service and ultimate sacrifice made by PFC Jonathan Roberge while bravely defending our country's freedom,” said Flanagan. “The bridge dedication is a mere symbol of the pride, sorrow and thankfulness we hold in our hearts."

"As a veteran, this is a bittersweet moment for me as we gather together to dedicate one of our local bridges in honor of our fallen hero, Jonathan Roberge,” said Rosa.

“Jonathan Roberge made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The dedication of this bridge in his name, so close to where he lived, will be a permanent remembrance of his commitment to his family, his community and his country,” said Mayor Dean Mazzarella of Leominster. “I hope both the bridge and the Roberge Park will serve as a place of comfort and peace for all veterans.”