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31st Street Bridge Renamed In Honor Of Fallen Hero

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The 31st Street Bridge was re-named this weekend for a local war hero who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Patriotic songs played as people gathered to honor Lance Corporal William Raymond Prom.

The Millvale native, was killed on Feb. 9, 1969, while fighting for our country in Vietnam. He was just 20-years-old when his unit came under intense enemy fire and grenade attacks.

During his two years serving in the Marine Corps, he earned a number of awards, including the Medal of Honor.

This weekend, he received a new honor as the 31st Street Bridge was renamed to the William Raymond Prom Memorial Bridge.

"I am so pleased and so honored. I think this is a fantastic opportunity for not only the Prom family, but the veterans of all wars in this area and the people of Pittsburgh," John Trott said.

Prom's sister attended the ceremony and shared stories about her brother's bravery.

"I'll see this bridge all the time because I only live up on top of the hill and I just don't know how to thank all of you for everything you've done," Clara Burns said.

State Rep. Dom Costa pushed to have the bridge renamed.

He hopes it serves as a tribute to all military men and women both past and present.

"To see his name on this bridge is going to be remarkable. It's going to remind thousands of motorists every day of the sacrifices this young man gave for the country," Rep. Costa said.

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