Sometimes we get so caught up in daily developments we don't take the opportunity to see the larger picture.

One of Tamaqua's elected officials is urging the community to do just that.Councilman Brian Connely suggested that the newly restored Broad Street bridge be named in honor of two devoted town fathers both former council presidents who pushed for a vital bridge restoration project yet didn't live long enough to see it completed.Ken Smulligan, who died in Sept. 2013, headed Tamaqua SOS since 1991. He was the driving force behind restoration of the historic train station. He also was co-proprietor of Smulligan's Glass Shop, a family-run business of long standing. Smulligan believed in preservation of Tamaqua's rich heritage and landmarks.He was a former president of the Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau board and member of the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce board.John Trudich, who died in March of this year, was a retired employee of Bethlehem Steel, a supervisor in the furnace room.The U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War volunteered countless hours to the H.D. Buehler Memorial Pool at Tamaqua Bungalow Park. He also supported local playgrounds and activities that helped residents of all ages.Both Smulligan and Trudich were homegrown products, sons of local families with rich tradition in the community. Both men were graduates of Tamaqua High School and demonstrated great pride in their hometown area with long lists of achievements.When the bridge was reopened October 2 after a 14-month, $2.5-million overhaul, dignitaries cut a ribbon to acknowledge what PennDOT calls "Broad Street Bridge over Little Schuylkill River."Of course, the name is accurate and PennDOT is the correct party to designate it. After all, the bridge is maintained by the state agency, part of a U.S. highway system.But the stone-arch structure also means a great deal to the community. It's part of the main street and is a strong contributing resource to the Tamaqua National Historic District and Tamaqua's local historic district.It's an architectural achievement that's been part of the town's infrastructure since the days of the pioneers.Fittingly, it won support of two men with pioneering spirit who, sadly, didn't live long enough to see the project succeed.With that in mind, it's hard not to see the value of Connely's suggestion.Hopefully, state and local officials will agree that a fitting tribute, perhaps a name such as "The Smulligan-Trudich Memorial Bridge," would provide a permanent legacy in honor of two good-hearted, ambitious men who devoted their lives to the town they loved.By DONALD R. SERFASSdserfass@tnonline.com