Other Elected Officials Join Celebration
The Bronx, NY – U.S. Congressman José E. Serrano; Bronx Borough President Rubén Díaz, Jr.; Senator Rubén Díaz; Assemblyman José Rivera; Councilmember Rafael Salamanca; Lorraine Castellano, District Manager of the New York District, United States Postal Service; Bronx Postmaster Lilliam Rodriguez and other local elected officials held a ceremony today to officially rename and inaugurate the Herman Badillo Post Office located at 442 East 167th St. in Morrisania.
The change of the name of the post office was made possible thanks to a bill introduced by Congressman Serrano and the New York Congressional delegation, H.R. 1350, that was approved in July of 2015 to celebrate the Honorable Herman Badillo’s achievements as Bronx Borough President, Congressman, and Deputy Mayor of New York City. Badillo was the first Puerto Rican to hold each of these offices.
Congressman Serrano said, “I am thrilled to celebrate the renaming of the Herman Badillo Post Office and to be joined by so many familiar faces, including Gail Badillo. To many of us, Badillo was a friend, to others a mentor, but to all of us he was a legend and a hero we will remember for generations to come. He was not only the first Puerto Rican to hold many elected posts at the local, state, and federal levels, but his work was instrumental in Puerto Ricans’ civic participation in local politics and in bringing attention to issues of concern to the community. Renaming this Post Office, a historic building in the heart of the Bronx, used by thousands every week, is a fitting tribute that will help ensure his legacy and memory live on.
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said, “I was proud to join so many friends and colleagues here today to pay tribute to the federal service of a trailblazer, a mentor and a friend, my predecessor in the borough president’s office and our former congressman, Herman Badillo. Today’s rededication ceremony is a fitting tribute to his trailblazing service to The Bronx, the City and our nation in the House of Representatives,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
Councilmember Rafael Salamanca, Jr. said: “As the first Puerto Rican to serve as the Bronx Borough President and as a member of Congress, it is safe to say that the Hon. Herman Badillo was a trailblazer. Truly, many of us who have followed him would not have been able to do so without his tenacity and courage, and it is only fitting that we honor him today and for many years to come.”
Lorraine Castellano, District Manager of the New York District, United States Postal Service said: “Today’s rededication is one of the most prestigious honors the United States Postal Service bestows on an individual who has reached the pinnacle of respect from this nation. The Postal Service is thankful to be able to be part of this special event in the name of Congressman Herman Badillo. “
Senator Schumer said: “Herman Badillo — the first Puerto Rican elected to the United Stated Congress — was a true Bronx Boy and a New York original. I can think of no one more deserving of the honor of having this building named after him than Herman Badillo. Herman Badillo exemplified the American ethos that you can achieve greatness and enact positive change regardless of humble beginnings and economic disadvantage and discrimination. The Herman Badillo Post Office in Morrisania is a fitting tribute to his legacy of work for civil rights, equal opportunity, education reform and more.”
Senator Gillibrand said: “Congressman Herman Badillo will be remembered for his tenacity, dedication to service, and passion for the issues facing his fellow New Yorkers. His advocacy on behalf of the families he fought for left an indelible mark on the community. With this post office renaming, we honor Herman Badillo’s pivotal leadership and celebrate his contributions to the community he fought for and proudly represented throughout his life.”
Rep. Charles Rangel said, “Our friend Herman Badillo was a fixture in New York City politics for nearly four decades, championing civil rights, jobs, housing and educational reform. Even after his passing, he continues to be a true testament to the American Dream. This post office in his honor is a fitting way to preserve and honor the legacy of a champion in the Bronx. I thank Congressman Serrano for leading the New York Congressional Delegation to push the bill through and make this day come true. It is a joyous occasion for all of us.”
Rep. Joe Crowley said: “Herman Badillo was not only a trailblazer for the Latino community, but a champion for vulnerable communities everywhere,” said Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx). “By naming this post office after Badillo, we can honor his legacy and ensure that future generations will recognize a man who did so much for our community. This truly is a wonderful day to celebrate the life of Herman Badillo and I thank Congressman Serrano for leading this effort.”