Politicians from all levels of government, Legion officials and others were on hand Saturday for the official ceremony to rename the Strandherd-Armstrong Bridge, linking Barrhaven and Riverside South across the Rideau River as the Vimy Memorial Bridge.
The Barrhaven and Manotick Branches of the Royal Canadian Legion jointly submitted an application to rename the bridge.
“Vimy Memorial Bridge honours and recognizes our national heritage and one of our greatest military triumphs,” Mayor Jim Watson said at the ceremony.
The ceremony was highlighted by a parade over the bridge by the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa.
Coun. Steve DesRoches noted the bridge carries significant historical meaning as it spans the Rideau Canal, a National Historic Site of Canada, a Canadian Heritage River and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and connects two gateways into the Nation’s Capital.
War veterans salute during the signing of the Canadian National Anthem during a special ceremony to commemorate the naming of Vimy Memorial Bridge, formerly the “Strandherd-Armstrong Bridge” in Ottawa on November 08, 2014.
Veterans look on during a special ceremony to commemorate the naming of Vimy Memorial Bridge, formerly the “Strandherd-Armstrong Bridge” in Ottawa on November 08, 2014.
Veterans look on during a special ceremony to commemorate the naming of Vimy Memorial Bridge, formerly the “Strandherd-Armstrong Bridge” in Ottawa on November 08, 2014.
Deputy Mayor Steve Desroches speaks during a special ceremony to commemorate the naming of Vimy Memorial Bridge, formerly the “Strandherd-Armstrong Bridge” in Ottawa on November 08, 2014.
Richard Coles (L), Deputy Mayor Steve Desroches (M) and Karen Mayer (R) look at a photo of the Vimy Ridge Memorial presented to Mr. Coles, following a special ceremony to commemorate the naming of Vimy Memorial Bridge, formerly the “Strandherd-Armstrong Bridge” in Ottawa on November 08, 2014.
