This is a comment about the bridge that crosses the Westport River. It is about the Route 88 bridge, and it is about the proper name of that bridge.

Many of the bridges in this area and beyond bear the names of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice during times of war and indeed peace as well. What we tend to forget however, is how much that means to the families of the fallen.

I spoke to a local resident and boater yesterday, whose name I will not divulge, who lamented the fact that many folks do not realize that the "Route 88 bridge" is actually the Normand Edward Fontaine bridge. Many of you know this of course. I'm guessing many still do not. It was named after a young man who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country during the Vietnam war. His family are still residents of Westport. And SPC 4 Norman Edward Fontaine of the 101st Airborne Division will always be an American hero.

In honor of the sacrifice of this Westport hero, any reference of that bridge coming from the harbormaster's department will be referred to as the "Fontaine Bridge." Those of you who call it by another name will be politely reminded of its real name.

As a citizen and a Vietnam era veteran, it is the least I/we can do to pay homage to this hero and his family.

Lest we forget.

Harbormaster Bill Chace
Westport

Editor's note: Specialist 4th Class Normand Edward Fontaine, of Westport, served in the United States Army and was killed in Bien Hoa province, Vietnam, on Wednesday, May 8, 1968. He was 19 years old. The bridge that bears his name was built in 1958 but renamed in his honor in 1983.