Jay P. Larson Post Office Building

Floor Speech

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Mr. SORENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my legislation, H.R. 2466, which will redesignate the Rockford post office on Harrison Avenue in honor of Jay Larson.

I thank the chair and ranking member for their support, and my colleague on the other side of the aisle, Darin LaHood, for partnering with me in this effort.

Jay Larson was born and raised in the same hometown as me. We are proud to have been from Rockford, Illinois. In fact, Jay was also proud to share the same high school as myself, Boylan Central Catholic High School.

Jay served in our community as a letter carrier for 25 years, but here is the thing: He never took a sick day because delivering the mail was more than a job for Jay. Everyone who knew him told me of a man who was proud to take care of his neighbors, whether it be caring smiles or conversation, thoughtful gestures, and the occasional treat for his furry friends along the route.

To his fellow letter carriers, Jay was well known for his willingness to lend a hand, often helping others with their routes after he finished his own. As one of those colleagues summed it up: ``He made everyone feel like you were the most important person in the world at that time.''

Jay is the definition of an exemplary public servant and a good neighbor.

His last mail route was March 27, 2024. Jay was killed in a senseless and violent attack while on the job.

As we approach the 2-year anniversary of this tragedy, it is my hope that renaming the main Rockford post office in Jay's honor will offer a testament to his service while giving our city something else to be proud of.

Mr. Speaker, Jay Larson is worthy of this honor and worthy of our memory. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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