Honorary Street Sign Celebrates The Life Of The Bezazian Branch Library's Namesake

On Saturday, there was a ceremony honoring the namesake of the Bezazian Branch Library, Lt. Harold A. Bezazian. As the plaque inside the library says, "This branch library is a fitting and living memorial to the life of an outstanding young American, born and reared in Uptown Chicago, who loved books and learning, and who had dedicated his life to a writer's career until he volunteered for military service and gave his life for his country."

The honorary street sign is right outside the library's doors, at 1226 West Ainslie. The brief ceremony took place at 11am and was attended by several members of the Bezazian family, including Harold's nephew and namesake, who came to Chicago specifically for the occasion. Branch Manager Mark Kaplan spoke, as did Alderman Cappleman, and Harold and Paulette Bezazian.

You can read more about the library's history as a gift to Uptown in memory of Lt. Bezazian here.

Branch Manager Mark Kaplan

Ald. Cappleman (left), Mark Kaplan, and members of the Bezazian family, including
Harold A. Bezazian of California, the original Harold's nephew (next to the alderman).

Simon Wood, the son of one of the members of the Friends of Bezazian advocacy group,
did the honors and unveiled the street sign. (Photos provided by Friends of Bezazian.)