What an honor for the A.J. Baddick family (parents Joe and Ann) to have the bridge in Jim Thorpe named after their son. It was to be a historic day for the family, to have their hero and our town's hero to receive such a great honor.

The work on the bridge, done by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Myers construction company, is both breathtaking and beautiful. Unfortunately, someone dropped the ball.So I think I will fill in the gaps with things that didn't happen.OK, let's begin, the P.A. system is checked and in perfect operating order, thanks to DJ Tom Huber.A prieststarts with the blessing of the Sgt. Andrew J. "AJ" Baddick Memorial Bridge. "Our Father who art in heaven," etc. Baddick was Catholic.Our county's highest ranking Lt. Gen. Rhett Hernandez, starts the Pledge of Allegiance. A.J. was in the military.Becky McFadden sings the national anthem.What a fitting start to the dedication of the A.J. Baddick Memorial Bridge.Instead, we got a dedication that could not be seen or heard by the friends and family of A.J.Truly,Danny McGinleyJim Thorpe