Wabasha Bridge Renamed After Vietnam War Soldier

WABASHA, Minn. (AP) — A bridge over the Mississippi River at Wabasha is being renamed in honor of a fallen Vietnam War soldier.

Governor Mark Dayton recently signed a bill that names the bridge after Michael Clickner, the only Wabasha resident killed in Vietnam.

He graduated from Wabasha High School in 1967, enlisted in the Army and completed special forces training. He was sent to Vietnam in 1969 and was killed on April 11th, 1970 — one month before his tour of duty was supposed to end.

Dayton praised Clickner for his service and heroism.

Clickner's childhood friend, Bill Hager, started the quest to rename the bridge last summer. Supporters need to raise nearly $1,000 for a new sign.

Clickner's brother Bill says the family's thrilled.