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Robert F. Kennedy Bridge a "Fitting Tribute," "Spectacular"
By
Jen Chung
Published Nov 20, 2008
Modified Nov 20, 2008
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By
Jen Chung
Published Nov 20, 2008
Modified Nov 20, 2008
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Yesterday, the Triborough Bridge was renamed the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge to honor former Attorney General and Senator from New York. Former president Bill Clinton, Mayor Bloomberg and Governor David Paterson joined RFK's children and widow, Ethel Kennedy, for the event. Paterson said, "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.” The idea was proposed earlier this year by former governor Eliot Spitzer.
Ethel Kennedy told the NY Post, "It's spectacular, so wonderful. I love that now people will be crossing over the bridge and thinking of Bobby's life." There's been talk that the cost to change roads signs could be up to $4 million, but the Post reports that the "city says changing its signs will cost $100,000, and the MTA say its signage costs will be around $3,200."
Additionally, Paterson announced that public school students in the 4th, 8th and 12th grades will have a set of "RFK Lesson Plans" added to their curriculums, to teach them about RFK's "commitment to helping others." Today would have been RFK's 83rd birthday; you can read more about his legacy at the RFK Memorial website.
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Ethel Kennedy
rfk bridge
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Robert F. Kennedy Bridge
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Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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