Building the Mackinac Bridge Presentation Featuring Richard D. DeMara,

February 26, 2015
By: Josh Sharrow

American Legion Post 18, a veterans service organization, is hosting a special presentation ?Building the Mackinac Bridge? on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at 2 p.m. at the Legion Hall.

Featured speaker is Richard D. DeMara, Brigadier General (Retired). General DeMara was a member of Ironworker's Local 25 who spent 35 years in construction work. He also worked his way through the ranks to become the top ranking person in the Michigan Army National Guard.

DeMara will present many interesting facts and describe various conditions during the erection of the longest suspension bridge in the USA. Construction on the magnificent structure began in May 1954 and was opened to traffic on November 1, 1957.

Over 42,000 miles of wire is contained in main cables. Total length of the bridge is five miles and height of the main towers is 552 feet above water.

Though the event is no charge, a light lunch will be available for purchase prior to the presentation. Please register by calling the Post at 989 895-5231.