On a day when the mercury struggled to topple 30 degrees, thousands of people showed up for the opportunity to walk, cycle, jog or drive a classic car across the Stan Musial Veterans memorial bridge, the newest bridge connecting Illinois and Missouri over the Mississippi.

Visitors on the Illinois side of the bridge parked in the stockyard lot just off Exchange Avenue. People then had the option to make the 2.5 mile walk to the bridge or wait in a long line to catch a ride on an open-air tram.

Brad and Lisa Markowitz chose not to wait for the tram. They were at the event in anticipation of future nostalgia.

“It’s a once in a life-time opportunity. Brad said.

Lisa’s mom remembers looking out the window and watching the last piece of the Gateway Arch put into place. “She said she remembers that every time she sees it,” Lisa said.

Click on images to enlarge