Group Gathered To Celebrate The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Memorial Bridge In Rome

David J. Valesky

Senator David J. Valeskyand Assemblywoman RoAnn M. Destito, along with Rome Mayor James Brown and members of the Afro-American Heritage Associationgathered for a dedication ceremony of the newly named Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Bridge in Rome.

Senator Valesky and Assemblywoman Destito sponsored legislation to rename the bridge, which has been commonly referred to as the Erie Boulevard Bridge. The bridge comprises parts of routes 69, 49 and 29 in the city of Rome.

"Dr. Martin Luther King’s life has been an inspiration to so many of us," said Valesky who was honored to help rename the bridge for the famed civil rights hero. "This bridge will be a local acknowledgment of Dr. King’s accomplishments and a direct remainder of his legacy as we strive to live up to his dream."

Says Assemblywoman Destito, "I am very pleased that this legislation to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. has now been signed into law. We have been working with the Afro-American Heritage Association here in the Mohawk Valley to make this recognition a reality."