Davis’ legislation to name bridge after Capt. Brainard passes unanimously

Photo courtesy of Maine Senate Republican Office
CAPTAIN JOHN “JAY” BRAINARD GOLD STAR BRIDGE — Legislation brought forward by Sen. Paul Davis (R-Piscataquis) was unanimously passed by the Maine Senate to name a bridge on the Stagecoach Road between Atkinson and Sebec as the “The Captain John ‘Jay’ Brainard Gold Star Memorial Bridge.” Pictured are, from left, Rep. Ray Wallace (R-Dexter), Davis, Don White and Nancy White (Gold Star In Loco Parentis), Rep. Paul Stearns (R-Guilford) and Rep. Norm Higgins (R-Dover-Foxcroft).

AUGUSTA — The Maine Senate unanimously enacted a measure on March 1 from Sen. Paul Davis (R-Piscataquis) to name the bridge on Stagecoach Road crossing the Piscataquis River between the towns of Atkinson and Sebec as “The Captain John ‘Jay’ Brainard Gold Star Memorial Bridge.”

LD 1571, “Resolve, To Name a Bridge between Atkinson and Sebec the Captain John ‘Jay’ Brainard Gold Star Memorial Bridge” also directs the Department of Transportation to erect appropriate signs on both sides of the bridge.

Capt. Brainard was born in Newport and later lived in Atkinson. He was killed in action on Memorial Day 2012. Posthumously Capt. Brainard received the Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, NATO Medal, National Defense Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Combat Action Medal and the Purple Heart.

“I am grateful my colleagues in the Legislature supported naming this bridge after Capt. Brainard,” Davis said. “His life and deeds deserve our utmost respect, and we must never forget what he sacrificed for our country.”