Dozens gathered at Fort Hamilton Friday for a ceremonial street renaming to honor 1st Lt. John Earl Warren Jr., who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War in January of 1969.

“When army personnel and their family members and retirees walk on John Warren Avenue, and say to themselves, ‘Who was John Warren?’ I hope that they would take the time to look his name up and know that he is deserving of this honor,” said his sister, Gloria Warren-Baskin.

Gloria, the only surviving immediate family member, shared memories of his life growing up in Brooklyn and how difficult it was for their family to lose him. On January 14, 1969, Warren was serving as a platoon leader when he used his body to shield fellow soldiers from a grenad. The 22 years old was posthumously presented with the Medal of Honor.

“I believe he would want people to know that he was proud to be a soldier in the United States Army, and that we should not be afraid to help our fellow man. It feels good to know after all these years, 53 to be exact, that he's still being recognized for his bravery,” said Warren-Baskin.

Formerly, this street was named after Robert E. Lee, a Confederate general who led the South’s attempt to secede in the Civil War. Following the death of George Floyd in 2020, social justice activists pushed to remove confederate symbols from U.S. institutions. Army personnel at the ceremony say that the army stands for embracing diversity and honoring the Black soldier for his bravery was the right thing to do.

“This street goes from that gate under the bridge all the way to the back. It links this community together. It's the backbone of Fort Hamilton. And that backbone should be named after someone worthy of all we are as a diverse New York City population,” said Commander, United States Army Garrison Fort Hamilton, Colonel Craig Martin.

Dozens of  Warren’s family attended the ceremony. Diane Shelton remembers her big cousin as someone who made sure the family didn't get into trouble. She says John Warren Avenue is an honor for her family.

“I’m beside myself. I have three grandchildren that live in Georgia so when they come I’ll be bringing them here to see their cousin,” said Shelton.

But many were too young to have met Lt. Warren, like Clarence Bryant, who was born a year after Warren passed. He says his father always spoke of the heroism his cousin showed.

“It inspired myself and my brothers to join the military as well, so we can continue to live the legacy and make sure my kids know about his heroism in the Vietnam War,” said Bryant.

Now Bryant says his cousin’s legacy will live on forever​ with John Warren Avenue.