ABC News Location Named Peter Jennings Way

Feb, 21, 2006 — -- Peter Jennings has now been linked permanently to the New York neighborhood he called home, as the Manhattan street where he worked for decades has been renamed in his honor.

In a ceremony today, the block that is home to ABC News' headquarters was officially dubbed Peter Jennings Way in honor of the late "World New Tonight" anchor. Family and friends of Jennings, ABC News President David Westin and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg attended the dedication on West 66th Street, between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue, on New York City's Upper West Side.

The ceremony paid tribute to the legacy Jennings left on New York, journalism and his viewers.

"Peter Jennings spent decades speaking directly to each of us," said Bloomberg. "And [now] we'll walk down Peter Jennings Way."'

"Good Morning America" anchors Diane Sawyer and Charles Gibson, Chief Washington correspondent and "This Week" anchor George Stephanopoulos, and Jennings' successor Elizabeth Vargas were among Jennings' former colleagues who attended the ceremony. Vargas said renaming the block was a fitting tribute to Jennings, who anchored "World News Tonight" for more than 20 years

"It's a wonderful public way to tip our hats," said Vargas, as she waited for the ceremony to begin. "This is the way we enter every day and [the way] Peter entered for 23 years."

Politicians and family members spoke about Jennings' international contributions as a journalist, as well as his more local achievements; he maintained a strong commitment to those in his community through charitable work. Jennings lived close to his office and loved his neighborhood.

"Dad walked to work and he walked home," said his daughter, Elizabeth. Standing between her brother, Chris, and stepmother, Kayce Freed, she spoke for the family at the ceremony.

Elizabeth said she hopes that "like any good monument," this tribute will affect the future and remind others of her father's commitment to journalism and solid values.