Centenarian Reenacts Historic Handshake at Bridge’s Centennial Celebration
A 101-year-old woman from Hermiston, Linis Rozema, participated in a ceremony celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Bridge of the Gods by reenacting a historic handshake that occurred on the bridge's opening day a century ago.

Medford Klamath Falls, OR, October 6, 2026 — A significant milestone was marked with the 100th anniversary of the Bridge of the Gods, an event that saw a unique reenactment by a centenarian resident.
Linis Rozema, a 101-year-old woman from Hermiston, was a central figure in a special ceremony held to commemorate the bridge’s centennial. The event honored a historic moment from the bridge’s past by recreating a handshake that took place on its opening day exactly one century prior.
The Bridge of the Gods, a notable landmark, celebrated its 100th anniversary, drawing attention to its long history and the community it serves. Rozema’s participation added a personal and historical dimension to the festivities, connecting the present day directly with the bridge’s origins.
The reenactment involved Rozema participating in a symbolic handshake, mirroring an event that originally occurred when the bridge first opened. While details regarding the specific individuals involved in the original handshake or the exact nature of the ceremony were not provided, Rozema’s presence underscored the passage of time and the enduring significance of the bridge.
The event brought together community members and highlighted the historical importance of the Bridge of the Gods. Rozema, as a 101-year-old participant, offered a living link to the past, embodying the longevity of the landmark and the generations it has served.
Story summarized from the original created by Michael Kane | Hermiston Herald on rv-times.com, see more information here.
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