Bridge dedicated to Vietnam Vets

BROOKFIELD -- The first bridge in Brookfield to be dedicated to veterans will honor the memory of three men who gave their lives while serving their country in Vietnam.

A dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony took place Monday for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge on Warren Sharon Road in memory of U.S. Marine Lance Corp. McArthur Coleman, U.S. Army PFC Paul E. Good and U.S. Army SSgt. Martin Walker Jr.

Brookfield Trustee Chairman Dan Suttles said the three fallen heroes will forever be remembered as their names are on the sign recognizing the veterans bridge.

"This dedication is long overdue and acknowledges the sacrifices these three residents have given to our great country," he said.

Suttles said resident Joe Mariano spearheaded the effort to get the bridge named for the three Vietnam veterans.

"This is the first bridge to be dedicated to veterans in Brookfield Township. It is fitting that it is being dedicated for these three young men who served and died for all of us while in Vietnam. We thank all who helped us to memorialize these heroes," Suttles said.

Coleman was killed in action in March 1966, Good in June 1967 and Walker in February 1970.

Family members of the Vietnam veterans remembered their relatives who endured the ultimate sacrifice.

Bob Good of Rochester, New York, younger brother of Paul Good, said he received a phone call a few years ago from Mariano, who spoke about his brother and his efforts to get the bridge dedicated to veterans.

"Years from now, as people drive by this area long after I and all my family are gone, people will see Paul's name. Several people did know him. He was a wonderful young man at 19, full of life and excitement. I think of him frozen in time at 19. He would be 76 now and would have had family and children and grandchildren. He is dearly missed," Good said.

He said it has been difficult for his family following his brother's death.

Pauline Phillips of Farrell, Pa., sister of Walker, said people have always had memories to share of her brother while he was at Brookfield schools, where he was captain of the football team. She said his nickname was "Bif."

"He was always spontaneous. His memories still linger on," Phillips said.

She said that in 1997, the classmates of her brother hosted a memorial for their 30th class reunion at the cemetery to honor Walker.

"It is very hard right now. My father is 97 years old, and this still touches him very deeply. Thanks to all my brother's classmates and my classmates for always remembering my brother," Phillips said.

She said she received her brother's military dog tags from his service, which came from California, and over the years other items to remember him.

She said she and her brother would walk on Warren Sharon Road across the bridge to and from school.

"Everytime someone goes past, there will be a memorial here for him. Fifty-three years have passed. This puts some memories to my heart. I love Brookfield Township and appreciate what you have done for my brother," Phillips said.