The Bayway Bridge will be rededicated Saturday in honor of a local veteran.
The bridge will now be known as the Medal of Honor Bridge to acknowledge the service of Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Littrell of St. Pete Beach. Littrell received his medal for service in the Vietnam War from President Richard Nixon.
"We got ourselves in a bad situation, we got ourselves surrounded by 5,000 North Vietnamese," he said. "We had a four day and four night battle. At the end of the batttle, the people that I worked with felt during that time I did things that they considered above and beyond the call of duty. I consider it a NCO just doing his job."
The ceremony will feature a color guard presentation from at least three branches of the military, a flyover, rappelling from the bridge to boats below and a walking parade over the span. The celebration continues with shows, food and entertainment until 10 p.m.
Parking and shuttle service will begin from 9 a.m. from Hurley Park in Pass-a-Grille to the east side of the bridge, where the ceremony and military showcase will take place from 10-10:30 a.m.
Shuttles will be available to take people back to Pass-a-Grille for the Fifth Annual Veterans of South Pinellas Salute to the Military will be taking place. Parking is free until 1 p.m. along the beach and in designated parking areas.
For more information, visit www.SPBrec.com/special-events.