When people drive across a bridge that crosses a tributary of Kreutz Creek in Hellam Township, they are honoring the service and sacrifice of a local veteran.

On Oct. 25, state Rep. Joe D'Orsie hosted a ceremony to officially designate the spot as the Roger Lee Fraker Memorial Bridge.

The bridge, located at 5657 Lincoln Highway East in York, bears the name of the Marine private first class., who served in the Weapons Platoon of K Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division during the Vietnam War.

"We are dedicating this bridge as a permanent tribute to the courage and sacrifice of Marine Pfc. Roger Lee Fraker, who served with honor in the Vietnam War," said D'Orsie, who represents the 47th District. "His service represents a generation that answered the call in a time of great uncertainty, often without recognition, but never without valor."

A native of Hellam and a 1967 graduate of Eastern High School, Fraker was killed in action on Aug. 27, 1968, at the age of 19.

"He fought not for personal glory, nor solely for America's freedom, but in the hope of securing freedom for others," D'Orsie shared. "May every person who crosses this bridge remember his sacrifice, and may his legacy inspire us to live with courage and a lasting commitment to the ideals of liberty and service beyond ourselves."

The dedication ceremony was attended by Fraker's family members, as well as military personnel and community leaders. Speakers included State Rep. Wendy Fink; Col. Robert S. Noren of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs; County Commissioner Julie Wheeler; and Beverly Vaughn, Fraker's sister.

"Roger was a character. He was fun loving," Vaughn shared. "He was the middle child. I don't know if you want to say middle child syndrome, but he had no fear. He was born to be a Marine, and he lived the part well."

While she noted that her family will never forget their loss, she also appreciates the community's commitment to honoring her brother.

"It's sadness from that day in August of 1968, but to this day, the joy, the tears of joy, the happiness, the love, the support, family, friends, community - we couldn't ask for any more," she said.

Marine veteran Rick Olvitt described his friend as the quintessential Marine.

"He loved and lived life to the fullest," Olvitt remarked. "Roger had a competitive spirit, always looking for the next challenge."

Among Fraker's military honors are the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Military Merit, Good Conduct and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross.

Olvitt was instrumental in bringing the bridge dedication to fruition. He contacted D'Orsie's district office to begin the process of officially naming the bridge in his friend's honor.

"The bridge is located across from the Fraker family property, making it a particularly fitting location to memorialize Roger's service and sacrifice," D'Orsie commented. "Rick had previously made a promise to the Fraker family that he would not let Roger be forgotten."

Olvitt had previously spearheaded a tree dedication in Fraker's honor at Eastern York High School years prior.

"Roger was the first person from Eastern High School to lose his life in the Vietnam War, a loss that deeply affected Rick, a fellow Eastern York High School grad," D'Orsie said. "Rick was inspired to continue to honor his friend's legacy."