GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES TRIBOROUGH BRIDGE TO BE RENAMED ROBERT F. KENNEDY BRIDGE
New Name Celebrates the Life and Legacy of the former New York Senator
Governor David A. Paterson today announced the renaming of the Triborough Bridge as the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge. He was joined in Astoria Park by members of the Kennedy family, First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former President Bill Clinton, Metropolitan Transportation Authority CEO Lee Sander and numerous other dignitaries to celebrate Robert F. Kennedy’s contributions and service to the State of New York.
Governor Paterson signed this program bill (S.7231 Bruno/A.10789 Silver) into law this past summer, forty years after Kennedy’s historic presidential campaign. Kennedy represented the State of New York in the United States Senate with great distinction from 1965 until 1968. He led an inspirational race, defined by a commitment to equality and passion for service, until his untimely death. Throughout his career, Kennedy worked tirelessly to improve the lives of Americans, fight poverty and advance the civil rights movement.
“It is an honor to join the Kennedy family today to celebrate their beloved father, uncle, brother and husband - a man who served the people of our State and nation with distinction,” said Governor Paterson. “Robert F. Kennedy was a champion of social justice and human rights and his spirit is kept alive by his family’s continued commitment to those causes. I am particularly pleased to have had the opportunity to sign this bill into law, making possible the renaming of the Triborough Bridge as the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, which is a fitting tribute to the man and his legacy.”
“In addition, I am also pleased to announce that in collaboration with the RFK Center, educators from the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) and the New York State Education Department, public school students in the fourth, eighth and twelfth grades will benefit from a new addition to their curriculum, a set of RFK Lesson Plans, titled ‘Speak Up, Speak Out: Robert F. Kennedy, Champion of Social Justice,’” added Governor Paterson. “This will ensure that future generations of New Yorkers continue to learn about Robert F. Kennedy’s commitment to helping others.”
The Triborough Bridge is located on Interstate 278 and is operated by the State of New York's Metropolitan Transit Authority. Opened in 1936, the facility now consists of three bridges, a viaduct, and 14 miles of approach roads connecting Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx. The bridge serves as a well traveled connection for those heading to destinations in New York City, Long Island and Upstate New York.
Ethel Kennedy and Governor David Paterson present the new bridge sign to a gathered audience
Wednesday, 19 November, 2008
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