Source: United States Senator for Minnesota Amy Klobuchar
Todd, an Akeley native, was killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor and posthumously awarded the Purple Heart medal
Representative Pete Stauber led the passage of companion legislation in the House. Bill now goes to the President’s desk to be signed into law
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that their bicameral legislation to rename the Akeley Post Office after World War Two veteran Neal Kenneth Todd has passed the Senate. U.S. Navy Fireman First Class Todd, an Akeley native, was killed while serving on the U.S.S. Oklahoma during the attack on Pearl Harbor and posthumously awarded the Purple Heart medal for his sacrifice. Todd’s remains were identified and returned to his family last year. The legislation was first introduced by Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN), who led its passage through the House last week. The bill now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.
“Neal Kenneth Todd made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country when he was killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor,” said Klobuchar. “By renaming the Akeley Post Office in his honor, we are paying tribute to Neal Kenneth Todd’s service and helping Minnesotans keep his memory alive for generations to come. Thank you to Representative Stauber for leading this effort in the House.”
“Neal Kenneth Todd exemplified bravery and sacrificed his life for our country. After 80 years, his family was finally provided closure after his remains were identified and he was brought home,” said Smith. “Naming the Akeley Post Office in his honor allows his story to live on in the community where he was raised.”
“We can never forget the sacrifices made by heroes like Neal Kenneth Todd,” said Stauber. “Americans like Neal are the reason that this nation is known as the land of the free and the home of the brave. I am grateful that the senate took up my legislation and look forward to it being signed into law to remind future generations of his service in defense of our freedoms.”
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