Bridge DedicatedTto Fallen WWII Soldier

 HARWICH/CHATHAM TOWN LINE – The dedication of the bridge spanning Muddy Creek on Saturday to World War II Private Joseph Conrad Blute was an honor for a local Harwich family, but it will also serve as a reminder that liberty and freedom come with a cost.

 “The greatest generation is remembered for its courage, its selflessness, and its devotion to country,” Harwich resident John Blute, nephew of Private Joseph Conrad Blute, said during the dedication. “They were ordinary men and women from towns just like ours who did extraordinary things to defend freedom. 

 “By dedicating this bridge in his name, we give future generations a reminder that freedom has a cost, and that cost was paid by heroes before and among us,” he said. “May this bridge stand as a symbol of gratitude, memory and enduring respect for all who served this great nation.” 

Working with the Blute family, Rob Mador of Bridges for the Fallen led the initiative to have the bridge dedicated in honor of Private Blute, who was a student studying accounting at Boston College when he left school to enlist in the Army shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. 

 He grew up in Yonkers, N.Y. but spent summers in Harwich until his family moved to West Harwich. He loved swimming and going to the beach, said his daughter, Terestia Haag.

 Private Blute was assigned to the infantry in France after basic training. He perished in battle on Dec. 17, 1944 and is buried with 10,480 fellow soldiers at the Lorraine American Cemetery in Saint Avold, France.

 “I never met my father. I was born two months before he died, but he was overseas at the time,” said Haag. “So I cannot tell you much about his years before he enlisted. I have been told he had a great sense of humor and that he had lots of friends. Almost everything I know about my dad I learned from my mother and other relatives.   

 “My father was an actual G.I. Joe,” she said. “My family and I are very grateful for this honor bestowed on my dad.”

Reading from a proclamation, Harwich Select Board Chair Donald Howell said the town of Harwich recognized the deep and enduring connection between the Blute family and the community, and wished to honor Private Blute’s memory for his courage, sacrifice and service to the nation. 

 “I stand here today before you this morning with great appreciation and pride,” said nephew Tom Bute, also a Harwich resident. “For today we are not only dedicating this bridge to a fallen soldier. Today we are honoring the memories of all those courageous men and women who sacrificed so much for our liberties and freedom.”

State Representative Hadley Luddy, D-Orleans, presented Haag with a proclamation from the state legislature. Luddy said there is nothing more important than honoring veterans like Private Blute. State Representative Xifarhos presented Haag with a tri-folded flag honoring her father’s dedication to service.     

 “From a Gold Star father to a Gold Star daughter,” Xifarhos said.

 “I have one of these with 48 stars,” quipped Haag. 

 “Now you have 50 stars,” Xifarhos responded with a smile.

Close to 100 people attended the dedication of the bridge, which replaced a culvert in 2016. The dedication was initiated by a discussion a couple of years ago between Tom Blute and Mador. 

Bridges for the Fallen started with one bridge, Mador said, after the death of USMC Corporal Nicholas Xifarhos in Afghanistan in 2009. Bridges for the Fallen has to date dedicated 1,500 bridges for soldiers who sacrificed their lives.

Haag praised Mador’s efforts, along with former state representative Sarah Peake and Cape and Island Senator Julien Cyr, D-Provincetown, for their efforts in obtaining the legislation necessary for the dedication.