E-Mail
Print
CANTON, Miss. – The Post Office in Canton has been renamed in honor of one of the city’s military veterans.
Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson (D) introduced the bill to have the Post Office renamed the First Sergeant Landres Cheeks Post Office. At Friday’s dedication ceremony, Thompson called Cheeks a special man.
“Because normally these kids are tributes are paid to people who have passed on,” he explained.
But Thompson says Congress was eager to wave the rules after hearing of Cheeks’ commitment to his country and local community.
“So its fitting and proper that we rename this facility for a dedicated humanitarian, a dedicated patriot."
Cheeks said he is grateful for the honor.
“I want to thank the Congressman. I want to thank President Obama who signed this order. And special thanks to my wife who has put up with me for 70 years; and all of you who come out today,” he said.
There are 480 Post offices in Mississippi. Postal officials say Cheeks is the 5th black person in the state to have a post office named after him, and the first and only living person to be given such an honor.
