Caitlyn E. Trask, U.S. Navy Petty Officer Third Class. (Courtesy photograph.)
A new sign dedicating the Industrial Bridge to Caitlyn Trask was installed on Saturday during an historic dedication ceremony (WHAV News Photograph)
Saturday, April 14 was an historic day in Haverhill with the dedication of the Industrial Bridge (Route 125 connector), to U.S. Navy Petty Officer, Third Class, Caitlyn Trask, the first female service member ever to receive such a distinction.
A new sign, located just before the bridge that spans Ferry Road at the on ramp to Industrial Avenue, proclaims it is now the “Veterans of the War on Terror Memorial Bridge.”
Several politicians and local police and fire departments were among those who attended the dedication ceremony.
As previously reported by WHAV, Trask was killed by her ex-boyfriend in 2009, on a military base in Virginia.
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On Saturday, April 14 at 11 a.m., the Rt. 125 connector bridge in Haverhill will become the first bridge in the country ever dedicated to a female service member.
Caitlyn E. Trask, U.S. Navy Petty Officer Third Class, was just 20 years old when she was killed by her ex-boyfriend, a fellow sailor, at a military housing complex in Virginia in 2009.
The man was originally charged with second-degree murder but the charge was reduced to manslaughter, to which he pleaded guilty. He received a 10-year prison sentence for his crime, the longest sentence possible for the charge.
Trask, a resident of North Andover, and then Bradford, is said to have been passionate about serving in the military, passing up offers from prestigious colleges to enlist. She was given high ranking and highly sensitive duties during her deployments. She was awarded the Enlisted Surface Warfare Pin, Navy Meritorous Unit Commendation Ribbon, National Defense Medal, Global War On Terrorism Medal (Expeditionary), Global War On Terrorism Medal (Service) and Navy Expert Pistol Ribbon. Her life was the U.S Military.
Politicians, USS Constitution Honor Guard, Patriot Guard, Rolling Thunder and local police and fire departments are expected to attend the dedication ceremony, which will be held rain or shine.