ROANOKE, Va. – A well-deserved dedication to Aircrewman and Rescue Swimmer James P. Buriak.
The bridge on Diuguids Lane that heads over the Roanoke River is now named the James P. Buriak Memorial Bridge.
A Salem High School and Roanoke College graduate, James Buriak was a Navy sailor who was tragically killed in a helicopter crash in 2021.
The bridge was named to honor and memorialize the life, service and ultimate sacrifice that Buriak made.
Family members said they are grateful to have a bridge named after him for people to drive over, see his name, and learn his story.
“Jimmy was so humble, and he didn’t have an exuberant bone in his body. I think he would be honored, and I think having his memory live on forever is I think something our family has tried so hard to continue to do over the last 3 years,” Megan Buriak, wife of James Buriak said.
Leaders said they hope the bridge will bring joy to those who knew and didn’t know him, keeping his memory alive.