On 07 February 2008, Konar Provincial Governor Wahidi, Manogai District Governor Rahman, Watapur District Governor Zalmay, families of the ANSF soldiers who lost their lives at the Dag Bridge, and Paratroopers from 2/503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade attended the Dag Bridge Dedication Ceremony. The Dag bridge is one of several bridges crossing the Pech River that are crucial to social and economic development in the Pech Valley. Without these bridges the Valley would remain divided, as it was several years ago when villages on one side were pro-government of Afghanistan, and villages on the other were pro-Taliban.

Over 150 area residents gathered while Konar Provincial Governor, Wahidi, in cooperation with the District Governors and the Provincial Reconstruction Team, dedicated the newly completed Dag Bridge to the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) Soldiers who lost their lives securing the Pech River Valley.  The ceremony was the enemy’s worst nightmare – an entire community peacefully honoring the sacrifices of ANSF in an area which was a dangerous enemy engagement area not even a year before.  Watapur District Governor, Zalmay, opened the ceremony with a prayer and a brief speech. Governor Wahidi gave a moving speech to a standing room only crowd reaching out to the local populace and the elders. He paid respects to the brave and courageous Afghan Soldiers who gave their lives to ensure that progress spreads throughout their country. Governor Wahidi continued by commending the people on the progress they have made on the Pech River Valley making it a more livable and peaceful place. He ended his inspiring speech enforcing,

Young people gathered around to listen in and read ISAF newspapers if they were not in earshot of the speakers. Young men in the crowd took the opportunity to converse with ANSF soldiers. Gul Haar, a female parliament representative from Konar Province traveled from Kabul to attend the event. The elders, inspired by the transformation of their own valley and proud of the part their efforts have played in honoring the sacrifices of their Afghan Soldiers and Policemen, were very pleased with the ceremony and each speaker was given the undivided attention of the people.