WINCHESTER, Ky. (WKYT) - On Friday, exit 96 which goes over interstate 64 in Winchester, will be designated the Purple Heart Memorial Bridge.

This morning, an unveiling ceremony was held at Conkwright Middle School in Clark County.

"This means the world to us veterans," explains Jessie Williams, A Vietnam veteran, "we sacrificed our lives to keep this country protected. To see the appreciation from the younger generations is so moving."

Roy Hudson, who served in Vietnam, describes veterans as "part of our community treasures. It's a brotherhood for those of us in the armed forces. No one understands what we've seen or gone through but us."

Folks through the community gathered to show their respect for those that have served. During the ceremony, officials with the Kentucky Department of Transportation unveiled a new sign that honors the Purple Heart Memorial Bridge.The sign will be placed at the only insecting point of the memorial trail and the memorial bridge.

"This is a beautiful thing," explains Williams, "I come to this every year and to have this happen this year is just so moving."

The sign will honor the only spot that the Purple Heart Memorial Bridge and the Purple Heart Memorial Trail intersect.