Sunday, Aldo Slinadas, Curtis Sliwa, Dominick Serra, William Bohenberger, Tony NG, Don Chin, and Tommy Mcardle seven of the original thirteen members of the 'Rock Brigade' the group which became the Guardian Angels returned to McDonald's on Fordham Road to celebrate the forty-year anniversary of the group.
It was night manager Curtis Sliwa of the McDonald's on Fordham Road near Jerome Avenue who with twelve other McDonald's workers and friends who decided to make people who came into this McDonald's looking for safety from the declining neighborhood feel safe. These workers would walk people home to protect them. The group then decided to ride the #4 subway line when Crime was rampant in the NYC subway system.
As to why only seven of the thirteen original members showed up, Sliwa said during the growth period there were difference of opinions with some of the original members leaving. Today however the Guardian Angels are over one thousand strong across the United States, and in several foreign countries.
Above - Curtis Sliwa talks about how in 1979 he formed the Rock Brigade, which would later become the Guardian Angels. Several of the original thirteen members stand behind him.
Below - Sliwa and the Guardian Angels were presented with a Proclamation from Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., and a Citation from Councilman Ritchie Torres presented by McDonald's franchisee Tony Rodriguez and McDonald's Director of Operations Joseph Guerriera.
Above - Don Chin (original member), and Tony Rodriguez (owner of fourteen McDonald's in the Bronx and Manhattan) greet Curtis Sliwa as he enters the McDonald's located at Fordham Road and Southern Boulevard.
Below - In honor of the 40 years of the Guardian Angels this McDonald's sold apple pies for 40 cents all day.
Above - So many current and former Guardian Angels came to celebrate that a group photo had to be taken outdoors.
Below - A special cake was given to the Angels on their 40th Anniversary.
1 comment:
What a great event! I was honored to have worked on organizing this milestone Anniversary for McDonald's owner and operator Tony Rodriguez at his Bronx McDonald's. I also had the pleasure of meeting with Curtis and Arnaldo 10 days prior to discuss how we can make this happen under the time constraints. This will go down in the books for me as one of the most fulfilling PR events that I am proud to have helped orchestrate. Thank you Curtis Sliwa and Guardian Angels for all that you've done and continue to do to keep communities safe and for daring to care!
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