James M. Jeffords: “On Friday, September 19, 2003, Vermonters will gather in Proctor, VT, for a happy, yet solemn occasion. They will…”

“On Friday, September 19, 2003, Vermonters will gather in Proctor, VT, for a happy, yet solemn occasion. They will assemble on that day to reopen Proctor's Marble Arch Bridge and to dedicate a memorial to SGT Justin Garvey, United States Army, 101st Airborne Division. The joy will be in the celebration of the new bridge, a centerpiece of Proctor's infrastructure. It is the town's only bridge to span Vermont's longest river, the Otter Creek. Originally constructed in 1915, the new bridge will reestablish an historic gateway between the east and west of Justin's home community. Proctor's Marble Arch Bridge, adorned with Highland Marble quarried from beneath Vermont's grand mountains, is an elegant example of artistry, craftsmanship and heritage, values that we Vermonters cherish and respect. SGT Justin Garvey, Proctor High School Class of 1998, exemplified these values as well. Justin was, by all accounts, an outstanding young man. He was known as a strong competitor, a motivated student, and an avid outdoorsman. His friends knew him as being good hearted and good humored. Justin was a loyal brother, a dedicated son and a loving husband. Justin Garvey loved and is loved by his family and community. He crossed the Marble Arch Bridge innumerable times. When he last crossed this bridge, he was on a journey that would take him to serve in the United States Army 101st Airborne Division, one of America's most elite defense forces.”