YONKERS, N.Y. Twenty-two years after a Marine from Yonkers was killed in action, the city will rename the street that runs through the heart of his favorite childhood playground in his honor.
At 10 a.m. Saturday, city officials will gather with friends and family of the fallen soldier along Ravine Avenue, near Trevor Park, and unveil the red, white and blue sign that will rename the street US Marine Lance Corporal Anthony Deshon Stewart Drive.
We must always remember those veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice to our nation in order to protect and defend the liberties and freedom we enjoy and cherish," City Council President Chuck Lesnick said in an emailed statement. "This street renaming ceremony is a good way to honor and remember our wonderful veterans."
A graduate of Gorton High School, Stewart enlisted in the Marines in 1989. Less than a year later, the 19-year-old father of one left to serve in Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War.
Just days after Christmas in 1990, Stewart was killed when another Marines' weapon accidentally discharged. The Yonkers man was awarded several medals in recognition of his service, including the Navy Unit Commendation Plaque with a Ribbon Bar, a National Defense Service Medal, a Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Star, a Sea Deployment Ribbon and a Rifle Marksman Badge.
Stewarts name is inscribed in both the Yonkers Veterans Memorials and Larkin Plaza.
On Saturday, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, members of the Yonkers City Council and the Yonkers Veterans Affairs will lead the ceremony at Ravine and Glenwood avenues.
Lance Cpl. Anthony Stewarts service to our country and his passing at the age of 19 should remind us that while many were young who made that sacrifice, all were brave, Lesnick said. With the renaming of Ravine Avenue in his honor ... all in Yonkers can be proud of our native son and hero who did so much for our nation when he was called upon to serve.
The sign will be the first in the citys new street sign design dedicated to honor U.S. veterans. In the future, all street renamings in honor of veterans will be displayed in red, white and blue. Previously designated veteran signs will be changed to follow the new design.
All other non-veteran renamed signs will continue to be blue and white, the mayors office said.
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