WASHINGTON, D.C. - A  congressional bill to rename the historic post office in Russell the “Robert J. Dole Memorial Post Office Building” has been signed into law. 

The measure was introduced a year ago this month by Kansas First District U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann in the House, and  was sponsored in the Senate by Kansas Sens. Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall. It received bipartisan support.

The red brick structure located at 135 West Wisconsin St. was built in 1938 is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It features a section of an oil-on-canvas mural entitled “Wheat Workers” painted in 1940 by Martyl Schweig.

“Senator Bob Dole made it clear that we must never forget where we come from,” Mann said. “Born and raised in Russell, he knew that the heartbeat of our nation lies in places like his hometown.”

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for his military service. He served as the congressman representing the Big First District of Kansas for eight years and in the U.S. Senate for 27 years, acting as the majority leader twice, and becoming his party’s nominee for President in 1996. 

“I spent some time with Senator Dole just a few weeks before he passed away,” Mann said. “During our time together we discussed what he called ‘The Kansas Approach,’ the markers of which he identified as honesty, hard work, respect for your roots, common sense, service, simplicity, and genuine, thoughtful care for people. These are the Kansas conservative values that motivate me every day.

“Dole dedicated his life to serving others and has inspired many people, including me,” Mann said. “Naming a post office after one of Kansas’ favorite sons in the town he grew up in is a small but meaningful way to pay tribute to this Kansas giant and American hero.”