La Guardia Airport is named for Mayor Fiorello Henry La Guardia, who served as Mayor from 1934 to 1945. Short in stature but powerful in abilities, this 99th Mayor of New York City did much to bring the City into the 20th century, and is honored as a name sake in many places in town.

He began his tenure running against corrupt Tammy Hall. Upset over the treatment of immigrants he began his social justice fight and won the mayoral race.

One of his crowning gestures was the La Guardia Airport. Seeing the need for a New York City airport he fought for this cause. To gain public support he refused to deplane in Newark stating his TWA ticket stated his destination was New York. From this public ground swell began and airport land was acquired from the former Steinway Family Amusement Park.

In 2016, Governor Andrew Cuomo and Vice President Joe Biden jointly announced an upgrade to the LaGuardia Airport. This is the first complete rebuild of and US Airport in 20 years.

Let’s close with another LaGuardia quote.

I wish to recognize the stained glass windows and signs at Terminal 2 from which I borrowed this information and quotes.