Berks County News

Hamburg will see a bridge naming ceremony held by Representative Jamie Barton (R-Berks/Schuylkill). The State Street Bridge is set to be dedicated to the memory of Sergeant Jackie Seltzer, a local hero who served in the Vietnam War. The dedication ceremony will occur on Thursday, March 27, at 11 a.m., in the rear parking lot of Correll’s Notary, located at 555 State Street.

Rep. Barton expressed the significance of honoring Seltzer, stating, “Sgt. Seltzer was a hero in every sense of the word. With each passing decade, it gets easier to forget the brave Americans who gave their lives defending freedom in southeast Asia. I hope that this bridge bearing his name will remind folks in Hamburg, and everyone who passes through, that we wouldn’t enjoy the blessings we have today without the courage of people like Sgt. Seltzer.”

Seltzer, a decorated soldier, received the Bronze Star and Silver Star for his acts of bravery in Phu Loi. On May 12, 1968, after the platoon leader was injured, Seltzer took charge under heavy enemy fire, leading an assault that significantly reduced casualties. He was fatally shot while returning to his team.

Steve Cashman from VFW Post 216 highlighted the community's efforts to honor Seltzer: “After Jackie’s induction into the Berks County Military Hall of Fame in 2016 his friends and fellow Vietnam veterans felt that more should be done to ensure that Jackie’s memory would live on in his hometown. No single quote or saying, no matter how profound, will highlight what Jackie meant to his buddies and fellow veterans, so we embarked on this mission to name the bridge in his memory. The willingness of America’s veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting thanks, and hopefully, this dedication will secure Jackie’s well-deserved recognition of his memory for future generations of Hamburg residents.”