OIL CITY, Pa. (EYT) — A public bridge dedication ceremony was held on September 24 in honor of local fallen soldier Specialist Jonathan R. Kephart.

Photos courtesy of Bill Mushrush/Mush Multi Media

The dedication designated a portion of U.S. Route 62 over the Allegheny River in Oil City as the “Specialist Jonathan R. Kephart Memorial Bridge.”

Kephart was originally from Oil City and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2002. He became a Specialist assigned to the U.S. Army’s 230th Military Police based in Kaiserslautern, Germany.

Kephart had been in Iraq for ten days when on April 8, 2004, his convoy patrol was ambushed near Baghdad. He was wounded twice while laying down covering fire for his unit and died the next day due to his injuries. Kephart was 21.

Saturday’s ceremony began with the “Raising of the Colors” by V.E.T.S Honor Guard followed by the National Anthem performed by Laura Aldrich.

Oil City VFW commander Jason Reed provided opening remarks, detailing the bridge dedication project.

Jonathan’s parents — Donna and Burton Kephart — also spoke at the dedication.

“Jonathan, Mom and I love you with all of our hearts. We miss you terribly. We are so proud of you,” said an emotional Burton Kephart. “We long for the day when we will see you. And, see you again, we will.”

Other speakers included Oil City Mayor William Moon, State Representative R. Lee James, State Senator Scott Hutchinson, Dixie Peterson, John Peterson, and Jonathan’s “Battle Buddy” Amy Kovak-McFann.

The ceremony concluded with a dove release and a performance of “Amazing Grace” by Abi Kapp.

September 24 was also proclaimed “Jonathan R. Kephart Memorial Day” in Oil City.

The bridge dedication bill was sponsored by State Representative R. Lee James, R-Venango County, Butler County and was approved by Governor Wolf on July 20.

City Manager Mark Schroyer suggested renaming the Petroleum Street Bridge after Kephart.