Its richness is perhaps explained by the design concept of the structure: 'May this bridge,' declares a bronze plaque on the Cambridge side, 'connecting the College Yard and playing fields of Harvard, be an ever present reminder to students passing over it of loyalty to country and Alma Mater. '<ref>Shand-Tucci, Douglas, "Harvard University: An Architectural Tour" (pp. 94-95)</ref>}}
The bridge's significance might be attributed to its design concept: 'May this bridge,' a bronze plaque on the Cambridge side declares, 'joining the College Yard and playing fields of Harvard, serve as an ongoing reminder to students crossing it of loyalty to country and Alma Mater. '<ref>Shand-Tucci, Douglas, "Harvard University: An Architectural Tour" (pp. 94-95)</ref>>