WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced three pieces of bicameral legislation to rename three post offices in the Twin Cities in honor of distinguished Minnesotans. The legislation proposes renaming the Minneapolis Post Office in honor of former Congressman Martin Sabo; the Richfield Post Office in honor of U.S. Marine Corps veteran Charles Lindberg, who served during World War Two and helped raise the first American flag at Iwo Jima; and the South St. Paul Post Office in honor of Officer Leo Pavlak, a member of the St. Paul Police Department who lost his life in the line of duty.
“Martin Sabo was a dear friend and mentor who tirelessly championed the Twin Cities for 28 years in Congress. Charles Lindberg served our country with distinction during World War II, receiving a Silver Star for his valor. Officer Leo Pavlak sacrificed his life to protect his community just four months after beginning his career in law enforcement,” said Klobuchar. “By renaming the Minneapolis, Richfield, and South St. Paul post offices in their honor, we are paying tribute to their legacies and helping Minnesotans keep their memories alive for generations to come.”
“Martin Sabo, Officer Pavlak and Charles Lindberg all embodied the best of Minnesota values – selfless dedication to public service and improving the lives of others,” said Smith. “By serving our state in public office, law enforcement and overseas, these men worked to make our state a more safe and prosperous place to live. We believe renaming the Minneapolis, South St. Paul and Richfield post offices in their honor is a fitting tribute to their legacies of service.”
Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) led companion legislation in the House to rename the Minneapolis and Richfield Post Offices, and Representative Angie Craig (D-MN) led companion legislation to rename the South St. Paul Post Office.
Former Congressman Martin Sabo represented Minnesota’s 5th district from 1979 to 2007. He served as Chairman of the House Budget Committee, playing a key role in passing legislation that erased the U.S. budget deficit, and also sat on the House Appropriations Committee.
Officer Charles Lindberg was a U.S. Marine Corps corporal who was part of the battalion that captured Mount Suribachi following the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945. He helped raise the first American flag on Iwo Jima, but was evacuated due to injury before the famous Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima photograph was taken.
Officer Leo Pavlak was a member of the South Saint Paul Police Department who lost his life during a payroll robbery by the Barker-Karpis gang in August 1933, only four months after joining the Police Department. His grandson, Robert Pavlak Jr., is the former Commander of the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office.
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