Today, the House of Representatives unanimously approved a bill to rename the Sierra Madre, CA post office after Sergeant Louis Van Iersel, an immigrant, father, husband, and veteran who lived in Sierra Madre. The bill was introduced by Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) who represents the area. Rep. Chu released the following statement:
“Sergeant Louis Van Iersel’s life was the true example of the American Dream. As an immigrant, he immediately sought to serve his new country and did so with incredible valor and heroism. Not in just one World War, but two. Whether learning English while working in the kitchen, crossing an icy river under German fire to deliver intelligence, or teaching his sons to follow his example, Mr. Van Iersel was a true hero. For the lives he saved, and the lives he inspired, Louis Van Iersel deserves to be recognized and remembered here in the city he called home. That is why I introduced this bill to renamed the Sierra Madre post office in his honor. I’m so pleased the House has unanimously agreed.”
Rep. Chu first introduced the bill to rename the Sierra Madre post office on March 16, 2016. The bill would designate the U.S. Postal Facility at 61 South Baldwin Avenue in Sierra Madre, California, the Louis Van Iersel Post Office.