RT. 259 Bridge Re-naming Event

WHAT: Dedication of the William Medford Pangle Bridge

WHEN: April 30, 2025 11-11:30 AM

WHERE: Route 259 Bridge over Linville Creek, just north of where Main Street meets Route 259 in Broadway, VA

CONTACT:   Jeremy Mason, Asst. Residency Administrator (VDOT) – Jeremy.Mason@vdot.virginia.gov;

Doug Harpine, Council Member, Town of Broadway –        dharpine@broadwayva.gov

CONTENT: The Broadway Town Council will host a special dedication ceremony honoring the life and legacy of Private First Class William “Billy” Pangle—the only graduate of Broadway High School to be killed in action during the Vietnam War.  The William Pangle Memorial Bridge Dedication will take place on Wednesday, April 30 at 11:00 AM at the new Route 259 bridge over Linville Creek in Broadway.

This tribute is the culmination of a multi-year effort led by the Broadway High School Class of 1966, who first partnered with Rockingham County Public Schools Social Studies Supervisor, Beau Dickenson, to produce a student-created documentary about Mr. Pangle’s life and service. That film project was followed by the design and installation of a bronze plaque at J. Frank Hillyard Middle School, formerly the site of Broadway High School, where PFC Pangle graduated.

Thanks to a collaborative effort between the Class of ’66, the Town of Broadway, and the Virginia Department of Transportation, the bridge naming marks the final and most visible phase of this community-driven project.

The ceremony will feature remarks from community leaders and an official ribbon cutting. Members of Mr. Pangle’s family and graduating class will be in attendance. The event is free and open to the public.

To learn more about Mr. Pangle’s story, we invite you to view the short documentary created by students: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aer9fdNLuAw

For questions or additional information, please contact dharpine@broadwayva.gov