It was a solemn procession across the Pennypack Bridge in Hatboro; 43 years overdue.
The Pennypack Bridge is now the Joseph Lannon Memorial Bridge, named after a Hatboro Marine who was killed in Vietnam in 1968.
"We have never really given our Vietnam Veterans a fair shake," said State Rep. Tom Murt.
Vietnam was an unpopular and divisive war. But, while some ran the other way, Joseph Lannon charged into battle, putting off college to join the Marines.
He and three others died when a fellow Marine stepped on an anti-tank land mine.
"He was proud to be a marine and he served and died for us, and he was a regular guy who loved life, loved his town and loved nature," said Joe's niece, Brighid Lannon.
Thousands of people cross the bridge every day. Some will notice the sign with Joe Lannon's name on it. The hope is it will remind them, not just of Joe's sacrifice, but of all who served.
"I think it's very fitting to Joe Lannon, and to every Marine, and to every man and woman who served in Vietnam," said Murt.
Vietnam Veterans did not receive a hero's welcome when they returned home.
Many still struggle today with health issues, and a bureaucracy that sometimes seems like it's forgotten about them. But Joe Lannon was remembered at Saturday's dedication along with others who served.
As a child, he played in the waters of Pennypack Creek in the shadow of the bridge. He barely made it into adulthood before he was killed.
His family says he was a cheerful, fun loving guy, who will now be honored by a grateful community and strangers crossing a bridge.
"I would tell them that joe is just a regular guy," Brighid said.
A regular guy who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country he loved.
