A bridge dedication ceremony was held in Smyrna to honor fallen Blue Angels Captain Jeff Kuss.
The Captain Jeff Kuss Memorial Bridge sign was officially unveiled on Saturday as part of the City of Smyrna's Veterans Day ceremony. The event was held at the Smyrna Town Hall in the 300 block of South Lowry Street at 11 a.m.
The bridge dedicated to Captain Kuss spans Stewart Creek on State Route 266.
Captain Kuss was honored with the bridge dedication and a state proclamation by members of the Rutherford County Legislative Delegation, including State Representative Mike Sparks, State Representative Dawn White, and State Senator Bill Ketron.
Officials said hundreds of people have signed a replica sign for Captain Kuss’ widow, Christina. They have planned to mail the extra sign and state proclamation to her.
"After I learned that we had lost one of our brave heroes, I reached out to the captain's family to offer my support and condolences," said Representative Sparks. "I asked for permission to name the bridge in his honor, and they agreed. I am hopeful that this memorial will serve as a reminder to future generations of our residents about the exceptional bravery that Captain Kuss displayed as a member of the Blue Angels."
"Captain Kuss is one of our great American heroes, and he is extremely worthy and deserving of this honor," said Representative White. "This ceremony is an opportunity for us to remember his sacrifice, to continue our support for his family, and to honor the brave men and women who, like Captain Kuss, have served our nation with such valor and distinction."
"It is only fitting that on Veterans Day, we honor a heroic individual who made the unselfish decision to serve our nation," said Senator Ketron. "Captain Kuss died doing what he loved. He is truly deserving of this memorial, and I am hopeful that others in our community will learn more about his remarkable story of service to our nation."
Captain Kuss, a Marine Corps officer from Colorado, was killed on June 2, 2016 when his Blue Angels jet crashed while practicing in Smyrna for the Great Tennessee Air Show.
