Uniontown post office named after Marshall
Uniontown native George C. Marshall was called an American hero on Monday by officials who gathered to rename the city’s main post office in his honor.
As a five-star general Marshall was the architect of the Allied effort in World War II and as secretary of state he wrote the Marshall Plan for rebuilding Europe after the war.
“It is only fitting that we memorialize this man who gave so much to his country,” Mayor Ed Fike said during a ceremony on the lawn in front of the post office on Fayette Street.
“This needed done,” said state Rep. Tim Mahoney, D-South Union. “General Marshall was probably the most famous person to come out of Uniontown.”
“It’s people like George C. Marshall who are true American heroes,” said state Sen. Rich Kasunic, D-Dunbar, “He’s one of ours.”
He encouraged all citizens to thank and pray for everybody who serves or has served in the military.
U.S. Rep. Mark Critz, D-Johnstown, who sponsored the legislation that renamed the post office branch, highlighted Marshall’s military and civilian accomplishments.
He said Marshall was Gen. John “Black Jack” Pershing’s chief of staff during World War I, lead the Civilian Conservation Corps, grew the post-WWI American military of 180,000 members to a force of 12 million in preparation for WWII as a five star general and wrote the Marshall Plan as the secretary of state.
Marshall won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1953 for writing the Marshall Plan.
Critz pointed out that Marshall’s family did not want him to pursue a military career.
He said he sponsored the bill that renamed the post office in Indiana after native Jimmy Stewart, a famous actor who also served in World War II.
He called Marshall and Stewart great Americans and said he was surprised that post offices in their hometowns weren’t already named after them.
“A beloved local citizen and great American hero” is how Michael Hudak, operations manager for the U.S. Postal Service’s western Pennsylvania district, described Marshall. “One of the worlds greatest soldier statesmen.”
A plaque stating the post office’s new name was unveiled during the ceremony, which featured music by the Uniontown High School marching band. AMVETS Post 104 of Hopwood and Vietnam Veterans Inc. of Fayette County posted and retired the colors for the ceremony.
The post office is the latest tribute to Marshall in Uniontown.
The George C. Marshall Memorial Plaza at Five corners, Marshall Park on Church Street and Marshall Manor on Main Street were named in his honor.