Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5051) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 23 Genesee Street in Hornell, New York, as the…
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5051) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 23 Genesee Street in Hornell, New York, as the ``Zachary Smith Post Office Building''.
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and to extend their remarks.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, it is with a heavy heart that I present H.R. 5051 for consideration. This measure designates the United States postal building located at 23 Genesee Street in Hornell, New York, as the ``Zachary Smith Post Office Building.''
On January 24, 2010, while on patrol in southern Afghanistan, Lance Corporal Zachary Smith, a marine with the 2nd Platoon, C Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, based out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. He had been awarded a Purple Heart by President Obama for his selfless service.
Zachary Smith was born on April 2, 1990, to his parents, Christopher and Kim Smith, in Hornell, New York, where he lived along with his brother and sister, Nathaniel and Grace Smith. Zach attended Hornell High School and graduated in 2008. Fulfilling his lifelong dream, Zachary enlisted in the Marines while still in high school. After graduation, Zach left for basic training, but not before marrying his high school sweetheart, Anne Deebs. They were wed on July 25, 2009, and Zach completed boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, before going on to graduate from the Marine Corps School of Infantry.
Described as a gifted athlete by friends, Zach was on the Hornell High
School football and golf teams throughout his 4 years of high school. He was a member of Twin Hickory Golf Club and also Hornell Golf Club. He enjoyed watching sporting events and especially liked to root for the New York Giants, the New York Yankees, and the Syracuse Orangemen. He was also a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann's Church. Those who knew him say he was a genuine, humorous, and outgoing young man who enthusiastically embraced life. He always cared more for others than he did for himself and would go out of his way to help anyone who needed his help.
The world would be a better place if it had more young men like Zach. His service to his country is an example we all should follow, and we owe him a debt of gratitude for his service and his sacrifice. Please join me in honoring Zach's memory by supporting this bill. The people of Hornell will be reminded of Zach's courage and valor every day as they pass by the post office building named in his honor.
H.R. 5051 was introduced by the gentleman from New York, Representative Joseph Crowley, on April 15, 2010. The measure was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which ordered it reported by unanimous consent on May 6, 2010. The measure enjoys the support of the entire New York State delegation. I thank the gentleman for introducing this bill, and I'm sure that it means a great deal to Lance Corporal Smith's family and his friends. I also thank the gentleman from California, Congressman Issa, and all the members of the committee, especially, that worked to make this a reality and, of course, Mr. Issa for his support in bringing this measure to the floor today as well.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote for this measure honoring a fallen soldier who gave his life for his country.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, on that note, I would say to my colleagues that I think this is a very honorable thing to do, and I think we all should applaud Mr. Smith and the Smith family for his outstanding service.
I yield back the balance of my time.