THOMAS BURNETT, JR. POST OFFICE DEDICATED

The West Bloomington Post Office was renamed in honor of Thomas E. Burnett, Jr. at a ceremony on Monday, December 23, at the Post Office.

Burnett, who grew up in Bloomington and graduated from Jefferson High School, was one of the heroes who led the passenger revolt against the hijackers aboard Flight 93 on September 11. That plane crashed in Pennsylvania killing all aboard, instead of hitting the terrorists’ target in Washington, D.C.

"I am pleased the President honored the memory of Tom Burnett, Jr. by signing this important legislation into law," said U.S. Rep. Jim Ramstad, who sponsored the new law to rename the Post Office at the request of Bloomington Mayor Gene Winstead and the Bloomington City Council. President Bush signed it into law on September 24, 2002.

"As President Bush said, Tom Burnett was a true hero of United Flight 93 on September 11 because he put his country ahead of his own life," said Ramstad. "Tom’s ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten by his family, his community or his grateful nation."

"All of us are aware of the events of September 11," said Mayor Winstead. "All of us in Bloomington know of the brave and heroic acts performed by Tom Burnett, Jr. Countless unknown lives were saved because of Tom’s actions. By naming this federal Post Office in his memory, it will serve as a constant and continuing reminder of his brave deeds for generations to come."