Bridge to be named in honor of Captain James Eddie Reed at Saturday morning ceremony
KINGSPORT — A bridge dedication ceremony will be held Saturday, November 1, at 10 a.m. for the late Army Captain James Eddie Reed, the highest ranking Kingsport resident to give their life in service to our nation while serving in Vietnam, according to the virtualwall.org.
Given forecasts for inclement weather, the ceremony will be held inside the Kingsport Farmers Market on Clinchfield Street on the north end of the facility.
The previously unnamed Clinchfield Street bridge over Reedy Creek, between the intersections of Lovedale Drive and Holston Valley Drive, was formally named in honor of Captain Reed by resolution of the Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen on July 1, 2014. The naming ceremony was delayed to allow family members to assembly for the event.
Captain Reed served with distinction in the United States Armys 9th Infantry Division, earning the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars with V device, Army Commendation, Combat Infantry Badge, Air Medal, Ranger Tab, Airborne Ribbon, and the Purple Heart.
Captain Reed was felled by artillery fire while leading his unit in Long An Province, South Vietnam during the Tet Offensive on February 1, 1968.
The Vietnam Veterans of America Post 979, East Tennessee State University Army ROTC Color Guard, and the American Legion Post 3 will all take part in the service.
