Billy Ray Holmes, Vietnam War hero, will have a bridge on Route 13 in Arnett dedicated in his honor. Delegate Ron Thompson from Raleigh County said, “We are fortunate as the legislators who represent Sergeant Holmes’ family, to have the privilege to honor him. He made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of this country to promote democracy across our world and we are especially grateful to be dedicating a bridge in his hometown of Arnett. The scripture says ‘greater love has no man than to lay down his life for his brother,’ and we humbly look forward to honoring this fallen hero in the very near future with this bridge naming.” Billy Ray Holmes was born in Charleston, W. Va. but lived the majority of his life in Arnett, Raleigh County. He graduated from Marsh Fork High School in 1966. In 1967, he joined the United States Army and began a tour of duty in Vietnam in June. On July 3, 1968, Sergeant Billy Ray Holmes was killed in action in Tay Ninh, Vietnam. In recognition of his distinguished and outstanding meritorious service in connection with operations against hostile forces, Sergeant Holmes was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Order of the Purple Heart Medal. ]