Replacment for the Oregon Inlet Bonner Bridge shown here almost ready.
Back in probably my favorite place on earth, North Carolina's Outer Banks, the bridge shown above is soon to disappear as the new, improved and much larger one is almost ready. The Bonner Bridge has taken a beating since opened in the early 1960's, subject to the harsh weather and conditions so often prevalent along the area often referred to as the Graveyard of the Atlantic. And while I have many feelings in my heart of sadness with the degree of development that has taken place since my boyhood, I know that when this old generation of folks with Outer Banker blood in DNA are replaced by younger folk who have different views of heaven on earth than my generation. It's just the way things are and the process goes on.
But now with the new bridge almost a reality, the local governing body, the Dare County Board of County Commissioners, has asked for suggested names for the new bridge. Many want to keep it with old name, a man's name. That is probably the largest number so far. Others have been suggested as well. But I, in my humble opinion think it should be given a very special name to support some of the bravest souls on earth who have been linked to the Outer Banks for a long, long time. So, here is my suggestion exactly as I submitted it to Dare County government today, January 19, 2019. This is my proposal and I'm sticking to it.
NAMING THE NEW OREGON INLET BRIDGE
I hear that Dare County is looking for input on the naming of the replacement for the Bonner Bridge over Oregon Inlet. I always wonder why we name things for individual people, particularly since most were politicians elected by the people to serve them and living well at least in recent time, which they should, for the rest of their lives. But why not name it for a group of people, people who through their lives showed the Spirit or the Outer Banks and how they represent that Spirit in what they did. My suggestion is "The Coastie Oregon Inlet Overpass," honoring all those who over the ages served in either the Lifesaving Service or the Cutter Revenue Service, two organizations that were combined in 1916 to create the United States Coast Guard. No organization is more appropriate to be honored by Dare County and no organization did more in the way of sacrifice to protect the lives of the Outer Bankers, many of whom served with them as well. Now, I know no one will take this seriously, but to my way of thinking, this name, or a close derivative therefrom, is the most appropriate. i was a military man, but not a "Coastie" but am proud to say: Semper Paratus. What say you?
Have a wonderful day, everyone.
But now with the new bridge almost a reality, the local governing body, the Dare County Board of County Commissioners, has asked for suggested names for the new bridge. Many want to keep it with old name, a man's name. That is probably the largest number so far. Others have been suggested as well. But I, in my humble opinion think it should be given a very special name to support some of the bravest souls on earth who have been linked to the Outer Banks for a long, long time. So, here is my suggestion exactly as I submitted it to Dare County government today, January 19, 2019. This is my proposal and I'm sticking to it.
NAMING THE NEW OREGON INLET BRIDGE
I hear that Dare County is looking for input on the naming of the replacement for the Bonner Bridge over Oregon Inlet. I always wonder why we name things for individual people, particularly since most were politicians elected by the people to serve them and living well at least in recent time, which they should, for the rest of their lives. But why not name it for a group of people, people who through their lives showed the Spirit or the Outer Banks and how they represent that Spirit in what they did. My suggestion is "The Coastie Oregon Inlet Overpass," honoring all those who over the ages served in either the Lifesaving Service or the Cutter Revenue Service, two organizations that were combined in 1916 to create the United States Coast Guard. No organization is more appropriate to be honored by Dare County and no organization did more in the way of sacrifice to protect the lives of the Outer Bankers, many of whom served with them as well. Now, I know no one will take this seriously, but to my way of thinking, this name, or a close derivative therefrom, is the most appropriate. i was a military man, but not a "Coastie" but am proud to say: Semper Paratus. What say you?
Have a wonderful day, everyone.
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