Thank you Sam, for that introduction.

Sam is doing a great job representing this area on the Board of Transportation—and I want to thank him for all of his efforts on behalf of the citizens of western North Carolina.

I consider it a great privilege to join the Bunker Family and the proud citizens of Surry County to help dedicate the twin bridges over Stewart’s Creek for Mt. Airy’s favorite sons, Eng and Chang Bunker.

When we think of Surry County, we can’t help but think of Eng and Chang Bunker.

Theirs is an amazing story of faith and courage that still touches our hearts today.

Eng and Chang were special from the beginning—the first documented and longest living twins physically conjoined at birth.

They were born in 1811 in a small fishing village in Siam---now known as Thailand.

Eng and Chang were later known as the "original Siamese twins" in reference to their homeland, Siam.

They left Siam at the age of 17 to tour the world with their first managers Robert Hunter and Abel Coffin.

They toured the United States, Canada and Europe—and later with P.T. Barnum, the founder of the world famous Barnum and Bailey Circus.

The twins drew crowds wherever they went.

The crowds were amazed with Eng and Chang’s remarkable strength and dexterity—and their amazing chess skills.

Their touring career was rigorous and unforgiving—but it proved to be very profitable.

So much so, that after 10 years, the twins decided they could stop touring to settle down.

They came here--to Western North Carolina--for a fishing and hunting trip at the invitation of their friend Dr. Hollingsworth.

They were drawn to the lush scenery and the friendly people and decided to put down roots and stay.

Their first home was in Trap Hill—in nearby Wilkes County.

There, Eng and Chang met and married two sisters, Adelaide and Sarah Yates.

They eventually moved to Surry County and settled close to where we stand right now.

In fact, the bridges we dedicate today are over Stewarts Creek—the creek that marks the dividing line of the twins’ original property here in Mt. Airy.

So it is most appropriate that these bridges be named for the men who settled here and began the families whose descendents gather in celebration this weekend.

Although we officially dedicate and name the bridges today, one of them has been here for some time.

The northbound bridge—which is 181 feet long—was built in 1968 when Old U.S. 601 was only two lanes.

The southbound bridge—which is 182 feet long—is newer, built in 1999.

Together, these "twin bridges" will forever serve as a loving memorial of the lives of Eng and Chang Bunker—the world’s original Siamese twins, and Surry County’s most beloved citizens.

The brothers faced numerous obstacles in their lives—but they didn’t let these obstacles stop them.

They fearlessly bridged cultural and economic barriers to truly live the American Dream--and contribute greatly to the culture of Surry County and Western North Carolina.

Their farming careers turned out to be as successful as their touring -- and they were always thankful for their blessings and looked for ways to give back to their community.

It is for these traits Eng and Chang should be remembered and revered.

Now when motorists cross of the Eng and Chang Bunker Memorial Bridge, they’ll be reminded of these two special lives that continue to teach us lessons in courage, perseverance and faith.

Like Eng and Chang, the bridges will be close to the heart of this community.

The bridges are located less than a mile from the twin’s burial site, White Plains Baptist Church.

The twins donated the land and helped to build the church before they passed away at the age of 62 in 1874.

Although they are gone from this earth, they are here with us in spirit—and they live in the hearts of each of you—the descendents of Eng and Chang Bunker.

I hope this dedication will add joy to your reunion and the memory of your beloved Bunker family patriarchs.

Thank you.