After a several-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Springfield Bridge Walk is back on.
The annual event celebrating the connection between the Springfield community and the nearby major U.S. Army installation, Fort Belvoir, kicks off this Saturday (Aug. 17) at 10 a.m. at the corner of Bland Street and Amherst Avenue.
Last held in 2019, the event typically involves a ceremonial walk across Veterans Bridge, also known as Amherst Avenue Bridge. It culminates at the American Legion Post 176 (6520 Amherst Avenue) with a ceremonial renewal of the Community Covenant, which was first signed in 2009 as a symbolic show of support for military families.
Local officials, military personnel and residents will participate in the event, which is designed to honor military service members and strengthen the bond between the military and the community. There will be live music, refreshments, speeches, vendor tables for local businesses and family activities until 2 p.m.
“The Springfield Bridge Walk not only celebrates our close ties with veterans and Fort Belvoir but also reaffirms our commitment to work together,” Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk said in a press release. “It’s all about maintaining open communication and teamwork to keep our partnership thriving.”
Lusk highlighted that Fort Belvoir is Fairfax County’s biggest employer, hosting nearly 26,000 service members, Department of Defense civilians, and contractors. It provides a home base for more than 2,100 families.
This year’s bridge walk will include an introduction of Fort Belvoir’s new garrison commander, Col. David J. Stewart, who assumed the position on Aug. 8.
Fort Belvoir Deputy Garrison Commander John Moeller and Kevin Gaddis, commander of American Legion Post 176, both emphasized the importance of the community connection and expressed their gratitude to everyone involved in organizing the event.
“Fort Belvoir celebrates the connection we have with Fairfax County leaders and their efforts to build a stronger community,” Moeller said in the release. “Fort Belvoir’s relationship with the community is essential to the resilience and readiness of Service members and their families who live, work and play across Northern Virginia.”
Gaddis says the legion is “honored” to once again host the walk, adding that the bridge walk “symbolizes the partnership among our Springfield community, veterans, and Fort Belvoir.”
Photo via Fort Belvoir/Facebook
