By The Times Weekly, staff

Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) and U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) applaud Tuesday night’s Senate passage of H.R. 700, legislation to rename the U.S. Post Office facility located at 303 E. Mississippi Ave. in Elwood, Illinois, after former Will County Executive Lawrence M. “Larry” Walsh, Sr. The bill will now head to President Biden’s desk for his signature.

A longtime farmer, Walsh began his political career in 1970, at the age of 21, when he was elected to the Elwood School Board. Three years later, he was elected as Jackson Township Supervisor and served in the position until December 2004. During his career, he also served on the Will County Board in 1974 and 1992, and in the Illinois State Senate from April 1997 to 2005. He finished out his tenure in public service as Will County Executive.

“I was proud to get this legislation passed in the House, and I’m grateful to Senators Durbin and Duckworth for getting it passed in the Senate and sent to President Biden’s desk,” said Foster. “Larry Walsh’s passion for public service and dedication to his neighbors was apparent every time I met with him, and I know his legacy will serve as an inspiration to many. Simply put, Will County is a far better place today because of the decades of work Larry did to strengthen Will County communities. It is a fitting tribute to Larry that the post office in his hometown of Elwood will bear his name.”

“Larry devoted 50 years of his life to serving ‘the folks’ back home. He was a bridge-builder with inexhaustible patience. No matter where he served, he was committed to finding common ground with his colleagues to make government work for the people,” said Durbin. “As a shining example of what a public servant should be, his legacy deserves to be honored. I’m looking forward to visiting the Larry Walsh Post Office in Elwood.”

“Larry Walsh Sr. was a true public servant who selflessly served the people of Illinois for decades,” said Duckworth. “I’m glad this legislation passed and is heading to President Biden’s desk so we can finally memorialize Larry’s memory and commitment to Illinoisans.”