Hornell, NY – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today joined with the Smith Family and the local Hornell Community to dedicate Genesee Street Post Office in honor of Lance Corporal Zachary Smith. Lance Corporal Smith was killed in January this year while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The legislation the rename the post office passed Congress and was signed by President Obama in July.
“Zachary Smith is truly a hometown hero,” Senator Gillibrand said. “He made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, serving with honor, integrity, and dignity. Naming the Hornell Post Office after him will honor his legacy and the legacy of so many other service members that have sacrificed their lives for the security of America. We must always remember them, honor the sacrifice of their families, and ensure that all our veterans have economic and educational opportunities when they return home.”
“Zachary Smith epitomized bravery, patriotism and public service, but his life was tragically cut short,” Senator Schumer said. “Today’s dedication ceremony ensures that the residents of Hornell will be able to forever remember and honor his courage and sacrifice.”
“Zachary Smith was a man of great courage who served our country honorably,” said Congressman Crowley. “The heroism and integrity he displayed both on and off the battlefield is an inspiration to us all. Renaming the post office after him helps ensure that future generations will learn of his great bravery and sacrifice.”
Lance Corporal Smith, a 2008 graduate of Hornell High School, was deployed in December. He enlisted in the Marines while still in high school, and left for training in the summer of 2008. Smith was killed January 24, 2010 by an explosive device during a battle with militants on one of his first days of patrol supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan’s Helmand province. Smith was assigned to the Marine’s 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, and was deployed from Camp Lejeune, N.C. Smith was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart on behalf of President Barack Obama and the Marine Corps.