In May of 2018, Brevard County Board of commissioners passed a resolution naming the then soon-to-be-constructed bridge over the Florida east coast railroad on the Pineda Causeway as the “Maj. Gen. John Cleland Memorial Bridge.
“This is a momentous occasion for our family and for many veterans in Brevard County that my father worked with and supported throughout his post retirement years” Gary Cleland, son of Maj. Gen. Cleland, stated in anticipation of this Saturday’s dedication. “I do hope some Rakkasans will be able to attend“. As a veteran of three wars (WW2, Korea and Vietnam), MG Cleland received throughout his 37 year career; 2 Purple Hearts, the Distinguished Service medal, the Silver Star and the Legion of Merit with three oak leaf clusters. He served on the Army general staff and the Joint staff, graduated from the Army War college with a masters in foreign relations, he was a member of the Infantry Hall of Fame and served as the honorary Col. of the Regiment for the National Rakkasan Association.
Following the bridge dedication, there will be a service at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center unveiling a bench honoring MG Cleland and his wife, former 1st Lt Clara Cleland, a nurse with 1st M.A.S.H during the Korean War.
Bridge Dedication Ceremony
09/26/2020, 1000
5625 Holy Trinity Drive
Melborne, FL
Service at the BVMC
09/26/2020 1130
400 S. Sykes Creek Pkwy
Merritt Island, Fl