A new highway sign honoring veterans was unveiled Friday at the 92nd Street Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge overpass in a ceremony that brought together lawmakers, military leaders, and community advocates to celebrate the borough’s rich military legacy.
The newly designated Fort Hamilton Veterans Memorial Highway recognizes the contributions of service members past and present. Adjacent to the U.S. Army Garrison Fort Hamilton — New York City’s last active-duty military installation — the sign salutes local veterans and their loved ones.
State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D-23) and Assembly Member Alec Brook-Krasny — who led the bipartisan effort behind the highway designation — were joined at the unveiling by USAG Fort Hamilton Commander Colonel Melissa Cantwell, veterans’ advocate Raymond Aalbue of the United Military Veterans of Kings County, Lieutenant Colonel David Ryan of the National Guard, and veterans from across the borough.
The designation was made possible through Senate Bill S9764, introduced by Scarcella-Spanton and signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2024. The legislation also had the backing of Brook-Krasny, who reflected on the bipartisan effort behind the years-long campaign.
“It’s been a relatively long process,” he told Brooklyn Paper. “We started this in March 2015, with Senator Marty Golden. At that time, as you know, I was a Democrat, and he was a Republican, so we started this process of renaming the highway in a very bipartisan manner. Now, we can say that we finished it the same way.”
Now a Republican, Brook-Krasny worked closely with Scarcella-Spanton and Hochul — both Democrats — to bring the dedication to life.
“This is just a great gesture,” he added. “Respect to veterans is one of the cornerstones of American character. I’m very, very grateful that we were able to do this, and that we were able to do it in front of Fort Hamilton.”
Fort Hamilton’s history dates back to the American Revolution. In 1776, the army base was used as a firing ground against the British fleet, marking the importance of coastal defenses for the nation. Established in 1825, Fort Hamilton was originally built as a granite fort to protect New York Harbor and was renamed in honor of Alexander Hamilton.
Over the years, it played a crucial role in U.S. military history, serving through the Civil War, both World Wars, and beyond. In 1839, it became the first National Guard training camp. Today, it remains the only active-duty military installation in New York City, and continues to provide essential support to service members, veterans and their families.
At the new sign’s unveiling, Scarcella-Spanton reflected on Brooklyn’s “long, strong military presence.”
“I’m proud to represent U.S. Army Garrison Fort Hamilton both as a State Senator and as Chair of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security, and Military Affairs,” she said. “This designation honors the legacy of the brave veterans of Fort Hamilton, celebrating Brooklyn’s historic military presence and the veterans who have dedicated their lives to defending our nation.”
Representatives from the New York State Department of Transportation Region 11 also attended, as well as Assembly Member Lester Chang, Kings County GOP Chair Richard Barsamian and Laurie Windsor on behalf of U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis.
Chang, a veteran of the Afghanistan War and a 24-year Navy service member, emphasized the sign’s symbolic placement.
“This is a memorial service for our veterans that crossed both parties—a recognition for our service members who are no longer with us and who paid the ultimate sacrifice,” he said. “It’s appropriately named and appropriately placed at the foot of the bridge of Brooklyn — right next to the Army base.”
Barsamian, a longtime veterans’ advocate and current City Council candidate, called the sign a symbol of unity and gratitude.
“This is proof of what happens when people reach across the aisle — and what can be more important than honoring our veterans?” Barsamian said. “This is a great, momentous day. As I said before, there is no partisan situation. This is a celebration for Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton and Assembly Member Brook-Krasny and the governor — we thank her for signing this. No one will have any doubt in the future that as they travel on this highway, they will be reminded of the greatness of our veterans.”
Aalbue, executive director of the United Military Veterans of Kings County, echoed the sentiment.
“This is a great day,” he said. “I’ve lived in this neighborhood for a long time, I’ve worked with Fort Hamilton for a long time. I think we’ve always wanted to have something like this, and now we do. The veterans are going to be so proud of it.”
Scarcella-Spanton noted that the new sign is more than a marker — it’s a lasting tribute.
“This has been a long time coming, and I’m so glad that we were able to get this done,” she said. “Veterans across Brooklyn deserve to be recognized not just for the time they served, but for the impact they continue to make right here at home.”
Additional reporting by Arthur de Gaeta
