The Valley Street bridge in Glen Rock has been renamed to honor an Army helicopter pilot killed in action during the Vietnam War in 1968.

The service to honor U.S. Army Warrant Officer Martin E. Bixler was one of many held across the country on Friday, National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

“Today is just an exceptional day in Glen Rock where we honor our native son who paid the ultimate sacrifice. He laid down his life for his brother,” state Rep. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) said.

Those who served alongside Bixler shared stories of his life.

“He was a kind gentleman and he had a very good sense of humor, and he’d do anything for you,” Vietnam veteran Dale Currie said.  “A lot of times, I wish it would have been me instead of him. I think about those guys all the time. They are in my heart and always will be.”

“We just want to express our deep and profound gratitude for his service and his sacrifice and lift up his family and let them know we remember,” Phillips-Hill said.