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CITY OF CHATTANOOGA By David Collins
Bridge Flag Program Honors Service

Through Community Dedication

In March 2026, the City of Chattanooga between the Chattanooga community and from the Mayor’s Office, formally
proudly announced the continuation the personal stories represented by each recognizing the honored veteran and their
of the Veterans Bridge Flag Program, honored veteran. service to the nation. The overwhelming
now operating under the umbrella of Under Colston and Blevins’ leadership, response demonstrated Chattanooga’s
the Department of Public Works. This Public Works City Wide Services quickly deep appreciation for military service
meaningful initiative was created to mobilized to ensure the initiative’s and reinforced the city’s commitment
honor the sacrifice and service of United success. Understanding the importance of to honoring veterans in a visible and
States military veterans, while providing community outreach and administrative meaningful way.
families, organizations, and community accuracy, the department assembled a Jerramy Wood, Administrator of
members an opportunity to recognize dedicated support team of employees that Public Works and a decorated United
those who served our nation. included two Administrative Support States Army veteran, emphasized the
What followed was an extraordinary Specialists, Caroline Johnson and Cherie significance of the initiative throughout
example of teamwork, leadership, and Watkins Thompson; Corey Givens, the program announcement, noting that
dedication by the Public Works City Manager Intelligent Transportation the flags displayed on Veterans Bridge
Wide Services Division under the Systems, and Robert Allgood, General symbolize the city’s profound respect for
direction of Public Works Director Supervisor and Veteran. Together, the those who served in the armed forces.
Ricky Colston and Deputy Director team developed a strong marketing That vision became a reality through the
Rusty Blevins. With only six weeks to strategy, coordinated extensive outreach leadership of Public Works City Wide
organize, promote, validate, and process efforts, and implemented a robust Services and the dedication of employees
applications, the team successfully application validation process to working behind the scenes.
transformed the program into a citywide ensure every submission met program Today, the Veterans Bridge Flag
success story. requirements while honoring the dignity Program stands as more than a
The Veterans Bridge Flag Program and service of Chattanooga’s veterans. ceremonial initiative. It represents
allows residents, families, and High Expectations on a Short Timeline Chattanooga’s ongoing commitment
organizations to sponsor an American flag Despite the condensed timeline, the to honoring service, preserving the
to be displayed on one of Chattanooga’s results far exceeded expectations. Through stories of veterans, and strengthening
most recognized landmarks — Veterans aggressive community engagement, the connection between the community
Bridge. The bridge, lined with thirty collaboration with local partners, and and those who defended our freedoms.
dedicated flagpoles, serves as a visible and consistent communication, the program The success of the program serves as a
daily reminder of the courage, sacrifice, generated more than 80 completed testament to what can be accomplished
and commitment of America’s veterans. applications within just six weeks. Each through leadership, teamwork, public
Beyond recognition, the program was approved application also resulted in the service, and a shared commitment to
designed to create a lasting connection preparation of an official proclamation recognizing America’s heroes.

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