A permanent tribute crosses the Thornapple River

A bridge on Cascade Road in Cascade Township now carries a new name. Community leaders and veterans gathered Monday to officially dedicate the structure as the Cascade Veterans Memorial Bridge.

The dedication ceremony brought together veterans, local officials, and families to honor those who served in the U.S. military. A new plaque mounted on the bridge marks the change.

A year in the making

Mel Bauman of McDonald-Osmer American Legion Post 451 said the effort took about a year to complete.

"We've been working on it now for about probably a year, and we finally got it all put together. And it's just really a wonderful thing for veterans in this community," Bauman said.

Members of the American Legion say they want the bridge to serve as a daily reminder of veterans' service. They hope future generations will see the plaque and understand the sacrifices made by those who came before.

More than a plaque

The bridge dedication is part of a broader effort to improve the Cascade Township village area. Grace Lesperance, Township Supervisor, said the project connects to larger plans around the Thornapple River.

Lesperance said the township is working to better connect the community around the river and expand gathering spaces in the village area.

Community gathers after the ceremony

Following the dedication, neighbors and veterans continued the celebration at the Historic Stone House on Orange Avenue. The community cookout gave residents a chance to honor the occasion together.

The ceremony was free and open to the public, according to organizers.

A pattern of remembrance

The bridge dedication on Memorial Day is not an isolated effort by the American Legion in the area. On the same day, Ada Township dedicated a new veterans memorial at Covered Bridge Park, also in partnership with McDonald-Osmer American Legion Post 451.

That memorial features six granite tablets tracing military history from Ada's founding in 1838 through modern conflicts. Brett Talbot, service officer for the post, said the goal was to create a transgenerational story that connects local history with the experiences of those who served.

Both projects reflect a growing effort by Cascade-area veterans groups to create lasting, visible tributes in public spaces.