A bridge on Apache Road now carries the legacy of six brothers who answered the call to serve their country.

It’s a rarity for family members to serve in the military at the same time, but even more uncommon to all be sent off to war. For one New River Valley family, that became a reality when six brothers fought during World War II or the Korean War. The Atkins Brothers “Maybrook Boys” Memorial Bridge will stand as a permanent reminder of that sacrifice for generations to come.

World War II veteran John Atkins of Christiansburg died at the age of 97. John was the last surviving brother of the “Maybrook Men,” which consists of six brothers who fought for America during war time. The name comes from the small neighborhood in Giles County in which they were born and raised.