Section 27. Charles J. Vizzini Memorial Bridge.
(a) Findings.--The General Assembly finds and declares as follows:
(1) Charles J. Vizzini was born March 8, 1924, to John and Lillian Vizzini in Colver.
(2) He served in the United States Army during World War II as a private and was wounded twice.
(3) While fighting in France, Private Vizzini was struck in the chest by bullets from a German automatic pistol and was saved from serious injury and possible death by a Catholic Bible in his left breast pocket and a Catholic missal in his right breast pocket when bullets penetrated both books.
(4) After returning to Cambria County, Mr. Vizzini went on to graduate from Cambria Rowe Business College and later worked for a time as a coal miner and steelworker, in the Ebensburg Center and, eventually, at the Office of Auditor General for more than 25 years.
(5) A passionate advocate for his fellow veterans, Mr. Vizzini served as Commander of Ebensburg Post 4963, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and organized annual Veterans Day memorial services as well as memorial services for the anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor and to honor the memory of fellow Cambria County native Marine Sergeant Michael Strank, who helped to raise the United States flag at Iwo Jima.
(6) A caring member of his community, Mr. Vizzini organized memorial services to honor the 63 miners who died in the 1940 Sonman Mines explosion in Portage and was influential in honoring the 112 individuals who lost their lives in the Cambria Steel Company's 1902 Rolling Mine Mill explosion in Johnstown.
(7) Mr. Vizzini was well-known throughout his community, most notably for his passionate advocacy for his fellow veterans and for the residents of Cambria Township, including his efforts to keep the Ebensburg Center open, his work with Ebensburg's annual Christmas celebrations, particularly the life-size nativity scene, his organization of the Northern Cambria County Immigrants Day in Nanty Glo and his efforts to clean Sandyvale Cemetery.
(8) Charles J. Vizzini passed away on August 11, 2009, at the age of 85.
(9) A decorated military veteran, Mr. Vizzini's awards include two Purple Hearts and one Bronze Star.
(b) Designation.--The bridge, identified as Bridge Key 8344, carrying U.S. Route 22 over Pennsylvania Route 160, also known as New Germany Road, in Cambria Township, Cambria County, is designated the Charles J. Vizzini Memorial Bridge.
(c) Signs.--The Department of Transportation shall erect and maintain appropriate signs displaying the name of the bridge to traffic in both directions on the bridge and both directions on the crossing route.