Bridge Named in Honor of Local Doctor.
The bridge crossing Interstate 81 at exit 14 was named in honor of Martinsburg Doctor C. Vincent Townsend at a ceremony on Friday. State Senator
Townsend was born in Martinsburg and graduated fromMartinsburg high School. He left for college and medical school then joined the Navy before returning to practice internal medicine and cardiology for more than 40 years.
Unger co-authored the bill requesting the bridge be named for Townsend. At the start of the ceremony he spoke to Townsend’s modesty, but assured the crowd that the honor was deserved, even if the honoree would not say so.
Townsend’s son C. Vincent Townsend, Jr. and granddaughter Amber D. Townsend spoke about how much Martinsburg has meant to their family and to Townsend himself. Also in attendance was long-time friend and patient of Townsend, Frank Buckles, the last surviving American Veteran of World War I.
Townsend, who only learned about the honor two weeks ago, accepted the honor at the end of the ceremony with the unveiling of a sign. He likening himself to a batboy who picks up a trophy for a World Series team and said he owes much to his wife and that it was truly the people of the county coming together that got the much needed bridge to the hospital completed.
Unger said it was difficult getting anything named after a living person as the legislation is used to naming things in memory of people. He said it was tricky, but that it is a nice way for him and the community to show Dr. Townsend how much he means.
