- Brian Chilson
- A BRIDGE FOR THE 21ST CENTURY: Clinton family does the honors.
I can’t remember the last time the entire Clinton family — the former president, the secretary of state and their daughter Chelsea — were together in Little Rock.
But there they were today, on a brilliant early fall afternoon, strolling across the new 21st century footbridge from the Clinton Presidential Center across the Arkansas River to North Little Rock. The Clintons actually made the stroll from the North Little Rock side with Gov. Mike Beebe. On the right in photo is John Fernandez, assistant Commerce secretary for Economic Development. His department was a major contributor to the $10.5 million reconstruction of the old Rock Island railroad bridge. About 1,750 attended the ceremony.
It’s part of two days of festivities marking the 20th anniversary of Clinton’s announcement of his presidential candidacy. The big event is a gathering Saturday afternoon with music by Chicago on the grounds of the Old Statehouse, where his announcement was made.
The bridge closed after the ceremony. It will open to the public Sunday.
