A special announcement came at the 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony hosted by American Legion Post 33 last Saturday at the Braxton County Senior Center. Delegate Brent Boggs was the guest speaker for the event that not only memorialized the tragedy of the terrorist attack twenty-one years ago, but also was a tribute to first responders. During his presentation Delegate Boggs made a special announcement that the Governor had proclaimed the bridge crossing Elk River to the Senior Center as the John D. Forbush Memorial Bridge in honor of the Gassaway Firefighter who lost his life attempting to rescue two victims of a car crash earlier this year.
“I have had several people approach me about naming the bridge at the Senior Center in honor of John. Normally, the legislature makes those designations and of course, since I am not running for reelection, I won’t be there in January when they convene. The Governor, however, also has the power to make such a recognition. I presented the case to the Governor, and he readily agreed. He pushed the measure through and was able to get the proclamation and ceremonial signs by last Saturday’s event.
“I believe the permanent memorial is important to the community and the Forbush family. I am very pleased that it came together in a manner that allowed the announcement to be made on such an important and historical days as 9-11,” added Boggs.
Replica ceremonial signs were presented to John Forbush’s brother, William, grandmother, Ruthann Samples, fiancé, Amber Frame, Gassaway VFD representative Tom Skeens, and one will be given to the Braxton County Fire Fighters Association. The permanent signs at the bridge should be erected later this year.