The Interstate 86 bridge over Route 305 in Cuba now named for Sergeant Mark Bradley
CUBA – Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I- Olean) was joined by Assemblyman Joseph M. Giglio (R,C,I- Gowanda) to dedicate the Interstate 86 bridge over Route 305 in Cuba as the Sergeant Mark Bradley Memorial Bridge. Sergeant Bradley, a native of Cuba, died from injuries sustained from an improvised exploding device in Afghanistan. Bradley enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in January of 2004 after graduating from Cuba-Rushford High School in 2003. He passed away on June 16, 2011, at the Bethesda Naval Hospital after being seriously injured on June 3, 2011.
“Sergeant Mark Bradley was a brave young man who gave his life for the country he loved,” said Senator Catharine Young. “Today, we reflect on his life, remember how caring and generous he was, and how he followed his calling in life to serve his county and become an 0311 Rifleman with the Marine Corps. He helped our country remain safe and spread peace throughout the world. Our community misses him and this bridge dedication will ensure that generations to come know about Sergeant Mark Bradley.”
"We can never do enough to honor the life of a young soldier like Sgt. Mark Bradley, who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense our great nation,” said Assemblyman Joseph M. Giglio. “It’s a bittersweet day to have Sergeant Bradley’s family with us during this proud moment for our community, as we remember one of our hometown heroes by designating the I-86 Bridge crossing Route 305 in the Village of Cuba as the Sergeant Mark Bradley Memorial Bridge. It is an honor to have sponsored the legislation in the State Assembly. This bridge will be just one way we can commit to our hearts the ultimate sacrifice that Sgt. Mark Bradley made on our behalf."
“The entire Bradley family is extremely appreciative of the work that Senator Young and Assemblyman Giglio did to get this legislation passed and signed by Governor Cuomo,” said Jack Bradley, father of Mark. “We are thankful for the tremendous amount of support we received from the community. In situations like this, we are reminded that small-town life is unique and people in this region band together for support. It is always nice to visit and get reacquainted with such a close-knit community that helped us find this special way to remember Mark forever.”
Sergeant Bradley was deployed four times from 2004 to 2011. From his time in service, he earned three Marine Corps Good Conduct medals, the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and a Humanitarian Service Medal.
“I’d like to thank Assemblyman Giglio for his work on this bridge dedication and also the Bradley family for being here for this special day,” added Senator Young. “Lastly, I want to thank all veterans for their service to our country. All of them have made sacrifices and truly put our nation first.”
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