WARREN — African American veterans will be remembered and honored as a bridge on South Main Avenue has been dedicated to them.

The African-American Veterans Bridge was dedicated Saturday with the African-American Achievers Association festival parade marching across the bridge for the summer festival. Signs noting the new name are on the bridge’s northbound and southbound lanes.

Warren Councilman Todd Johnson, I-1st Ward, sponsored the legislation to name the bridge.

“It is an honor to preserve the memory and legacy of the African Americans who have served our country in the Armed Forces. This acknowledges the sacrifices these veterans from Warren made serving their country,” Johnson said.

He said his father, grandfathers and two brothers have all served in the military.

Johnson, who is pastor of Second Baptist Church also on South Main Avenue, said the chapel at the church, which is south of the bridge, was dedicated to African American veterans in November in honor of Veterans Day. He said the chapel and bridge are a nice way to honor African American contributions to the military,

City officials and local community members, along with parade participants, gathered on the south side of the bridge for the ribbon cutting and dedication.

Resident WC Heller, 90, who lives near the bridge on Spring Street, was selected to cut the ribbon for the dedication and was joined by local government officials. Mayor Doug Franklin said it is an honor to have the bridge dedicated to the many African American veterans who served the country.

Resident Neil Heller said his father served in the Air Force and was honored to be selected by Franklin to cut the ribbon.

The idea for the bridge was spearheaded by Garrick Matlock, pastor of Restoration Christian Ministries, following a February panel on African Americans in the military hosted by Second Baptist Church,.Permission was granted by city officials to rename the bridge since it falls under county and state jurisdiction.

Johnson said the bridge is located in a section of the city where there are many historic black churches. City officials are also planning to place a plaque at the location to note the historic churches in the corridor.