On Saturday 21April 1300 hours the state of New Jersey will conduct a rededication of the Lt. William C. Ryan Memorial Bridge in Bogota, NJ. The bridge, formerly known as the "Midtown Bridge" was built in 1900 and originally dedicated in Lt. Ryan's memory in 1980. Lt. Ryan was originally listed as MIA on 11May1969 when the F-4B aircraft he was assigned to as radar intercept officer was shot down on a combat mission over Laos. Lt. Ryan's remains were finally recovered and identified via DNA after multiple excavations of a crash site in Ban Alang Noi, Laos between 2012 and 2016. The investigation, including interviews of witnesses had begun in 1990.
Coincidental to the recovery of Lt. Ryan the bridge bearing his name was closed last year, torn down and a new bridge built in its place.
Lt' Ryan's son Michael, who was one year old when his father was shot down, will be in attendance and has personally requested our presence.
The Nam Knights will lead the procession over the new bridge on Saturday April 21st at 1300 hours.
Meet: Clubhouse 1130/KSU 1200
If you are going direct to the staging area please arrive by 1230: Olsen Park 162 W. Main Street Bogota, NJ |