Over two thousand people gathered on October 5th, 2002 to dedicate the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge proclaiming it a monument to freedom, equality, and human ingenuity.

The name of the bridge had been a source of heated debate for quite some time. Some people wanted to name if after Leonard P. Zakim who had dedicated his life to social justice and who passed away in 1999. Others said that no matter how great a man he was a monument of this caliber was greater than any one man was. Many wanted to name it after the courageous men who fought at the battle of Bunker Hill.

Both parties now sat together in peace on this bridge that adopted both names. It was such a monumental event that Bruce Springsteen came out and sang “Thunder Road.” The song adequately described the great road that had been built.

“It’s not just the engineering that makes this bridge great…it’s what it symbolizes” said Mayor Thomas M. Menino.

“The bridge has become a great symbol to those in Boston. It is something we are all proud of, every time I cross it I feel proud” quotes a local Bostonian David Arcaro

“It’s cool man…it was nice to have such a beautiful bridge open up” says a local who refuses to be named.