Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Monday, October 18, 1999

Release #418-99

Contact: Sunny Mindel/ Edward Skyler (212) 788-2958


MAYOR GIULIANI SIGNS BILL THAT ADDS THE NAME "RUDY MACINA PEACE MEMORIAL PLAZA" TO WILLIAMSBRIDGE ROAD INTERSECTION

-Remarks By Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani At Public Hearing On Local Laws-

The next bill before me, Introductory Number 532, sponsored by Council Member Provenzano would add the name "Rudy Macina Peace Memorial Plaza," to the intersection of Williamsbridge Road and Esplanade, in the Bronx.

Rudy Macina was born on January 1, 1923 in the Morris Park section of the Bronx. He was educated at local schools and went on to enlist in the Marine Corps. In World War II he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal.

After the War, Rudy returned to the Bronx and became a community activist. He was instrumental in the revitalization of the Bronx Columbus Day Parade from a small event to an extravaganza. He and his friends adopted two subway stations on the Dyer Avenue Line and worked to remove graffiti and paint in the stations in order to keep them clean and attractive. He was also the driving force behind a movement to dedicate the traffic triangle at the convergence of Williamsbridge Road, Laconia Avenue and Pelham Parkway North as a veterans memorial.

For his many patriotic and civic activities Rudy Macina was awarded the "Congressional Medal of Merit." Unfortunately, Rudy Macina died on June 25, 1993 at the age of 70.

In recognition of his lifetime commitment to country, community and family, it is fitting that the intersection of Williamsbridge Road and Esplanade be named "Rudy Macina Peace Memorial Plaza."

For the reasons previously stated, I will now sign the bill.

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