A decorated WWII combat veteran was honored Friday at a Bridge Dedication Ceremony.
State Representative Frank Burns held the ceremony to dedicate the Paul E. Sweeney Memorial Bridge, located along Overbridge and Railroad Streets in Lilly.
The ceremony was held at the Francis L. McCool American Legion Post 628, 216 Jones Street in Lilly.
A Lilly native, Sweeney was born in 1919 and entered the Army when he was 22-years-old and trained as a combat engineer. He fought in the Saint Lo after landing in Normandy, and received a Silver Star Medal for his service. He was later awarded the Purple Heart after he was wounded by a German sniper.
Sweeney was discharged in 1945 as a first sergeant, and was awarded a British Military Medal inscribed by the King of England for his service. When Sweeney returned to the United States, he raised six children and worked as a train crewman for the Pennsylvania Railroad and Conrail. He was also an active member and volunteer in both the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars organizations.
Burns was joined at the ceremony by Sweeney’s family, including his son and daughter.