You've heard of the Kennedy Space Center in Orlando, Fla., and the John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.
If state Rep. Lori Ehrlich has her way, you could be flying out of Logan-Kennedy International Airport someday.
Yesterday, the Marblehead Democrat filed a bill to change the name of the airport to also carry the name of Sen. Edward Moore Kennedy. It's currently named for Maj. Gen. Edward Lawrence Logan, a lifelong resident of South Boston who, as a colonel, led the 101st Infantry Regiment of the 26th Yankee Division in six campaigns during World War I.
Ehrlich's bill honors Kennedy, who served in the U.S. Senate for 47 years and died Aug. 25. Her bill inserts his name after that of Logan's in various sections of state law.
However, the name change may not fly, at least with some North Shore lawmakers who say they favor honoring Kennedy in some fashion, but think there might be another, more appropriate venue.
State Rep. Joyce Spiliotis, D-Peabody, said she has no problem honoring Kennedy, but the name change might cause confusion among fliers, given there's a Kennedy airport named after the late senator's older brother, President John F. Kennedy, in New York.
"I know how people are," Spiliotis said. "They will say, 'I booked at the wrong airport. I booked at Kennedy Airport instead of Logan-Kennedy.'"
Spiliotis said she is aware of a move to rename a charter school in Boston for Kennedy. The former Kennedy Junior High in West Peabody, named after President Kennedy, has since become the West Peabody Office Park and is now mostly owned by the Covenant Christian Academy.
State Rep. Ted Speliotis, D-Danvers, said it would be fitting to name an airport after Kennedy, given his work to deregulate airlines that brought down airfares in the 1970s.
"However, I think there are more appropriate venues," he said, agreeing the name change might cause confusion among travelers.
He suggested a venue that had to do with health care or education. He also noted there are few buildings, if any, that carry Ted Kennedy's name.
"I think it shows a sign of humility and a sign of respect and knowing that one shouldn't jump to conclusions," said Speliotis, who also called the filing of the bill "a gracious act." Speliotis said the creation of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate on the campus of the University of Massachusetts Boston, adjacent to the Kennedy Library on Columbia Point, was a fitting tribute.
"Certainly, the senator is one of the greatest senators in history," said state Rep. John Keenan, D-Salem, who could not say yesterday whether he supported adding Kennedy's name to Logan Airport. "My guess is that there will be some other suggestions filed, as well."
"It is certainly something I would consider," state Rep. Brad Hill, R-Ipswich, said. "I don't have a definitive 'yes' or 'no,'" adding there may be other ways to honor Kennedy.
"I imagine there will be many proposals," said state Rep. Mary Grant, D-Beverly, who said Kennedy's legacy should be honored, but she is not sure how.
"I think this will be the first of many, and it will all be on the table one way or another," Grant said.
"I think they will bubble up," Speliotis said about tributes to Kennedy, "and I don't think we have to force the issue."
A spokeswoman for Ehrlich, Kristen Cullen, said the representative was flying yesterday and could not be reached. A message was left for comment on her cell phone.
Staff writer Ethan Forman can be reached at 978-338-2673 or by e-mail at eforman@salem news.com.
Who was Logan?
Logan International Airport is named for Maj. Gen. Edward Lawrence Logan. The South Boston resident led the 101st Infantry Regiment of the 26th Yankee Division in six campaigns during World War I. He was also a Boston city councilor, a judge, a state representative and a senator, and the first state commander of the American Legion. Logan died in July 1939, and a bond bill to name the airport after him passed in 1943.
Source: Massport Web site
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Few Answers in Death of Sons of Missing Utah Mom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
Raw Video: Deadly Helicopter Crash in Australia
Raw Video: Smoke, Purported Gunfire in Syria
Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
Blast Kills Husband of Missing Utah Mom, 2 Boys
Obama: US, Israel Will Work Against Iran Nukes
NJ Museum Finds 19th Century Recording
Snow Causes Disruptions in Much of Europe
Clinton: Vetoed U.N. Syria Resolution 'travesty'
Romney Picks Up Decisive Win in Nevada Caucuses
Gingrich Renews Vow to Campaign Until Convention
Romney Rolls to Easy Win in Nevada GOP Caucuses
Raw Video: Missing Family Found Alive in Ore.
Police Clear Tents From Occupy Site in DC
