Renaming The Bridge

Although it’s official name was Rochambeau Bridge, everyone knew it more as the 14th Street Bridge. After it was repaired from the crash, it ended up being renamed as the Arland D. Williams Jr. Memorial Bridge in order to honor the man who had given up his own chance to live in order to help others. These days, it’s known more plainly as ‘Memorial Bridge.’

Honoring His Name Elsewhere

In 2003, Williams’ very own hometown of Mattoon in Coles County, Illinois ended up naming an elementary school after him, calling it the Arland D. Williams Jr. Elementary School. Even The Citadel, the military school he had graduated from in 1957 had honored him in many ways as well, one of which was by establishing an ‘Arland D. Williams Society to recognize graduates who distinguished themselves through community service.’