By Meg Hibbert
Contributing Writer
Remember heroes. That’s the message underlying the sign mounted on the Diuguids Lane Bridge over the Roanoke River near Greenhill Park.
On July 8 the James P. Buriak Memorial Bridge sign was dedicated in memory of Naval Air Crewman Rescue Swimmer Jimmy Buriak, a local Salem hero who died along with four other Navy men in a helicopter accident Aug. 31, 2021.
Buriak’s father and mother, Jim and Carol Buriak, wife Megan and young son Caulder unveiled the sign in front of a crowd of 150 people at Greenhill Park. His sister, Laura, and husband Eric were also there along with many of Jimmy Buriak’s teachers, neighbors, friends and local elected officials.
Jimmy Buriak often walked and played in the park when growing up, his dad recalled.
His best friend since second grade, Patrick Pollifrone, gave a touching tribute to his friend, recalling his pride in becoming a Navy SEAL, his humor, his kindness and how he wanted to help people.
“On his day off he rescued a drowning person from a rip tide in Guam,” Pollifrone remembered.
Buriak graduated from Salem High School and Roanoke College in 2012 before enlisting in the Navy.
He was a Naval swimmer with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Eight when helicopter Loosefoot 616 crashed.
Roanoke College retired Dean of the Chapel the Rev. Paul Henrickson and a former neighbor remembered Jimmy growing up. “He would do in one day what I would never do in a lifetime,” Henrickson said. “God sends people like Jimmy – and others – to serve us.”
Local elected officials included Roanoke County Supervisor Martha Hooker, who opened and closed the ceremony, Virginia House of Delegates member Joe McNamara and State Senator David Suetterlein. McNamara and Suetterlein were instrumental in getting the Virginia Department of Transportation to place the memorial sign.
Across the street from where the ceremony’s tent was set up, members of the Fort Lewis Fire Department raised a large American flag from Engine 9.
Megan Buriak set up the James Buriak Foundation that will host a run in October, with proceeds helping other military families who lost people they loved.
Members of the Salem Garden Club dedicated a paver stone to Buriak’s memory two years ago. His mother is a longtime member of the club.
