Westchester, IL - The Westchester Post Office building was renamed today to honor the village's former mayor John J. Sinde.

During a ceremony held this morning at the Westchester Village Hall, located across the street from the Westchester Post Office, Congressman Danny Davis, 7th District Illinois, paid tribute to John J. Sinde and his contributions to the community.

"Former Mayor John Sinde was the true essence of what it meant to be totally involved in the life of a community, whether he was in elective office or not. His spirit will continue to be a part of Westchester for many, many years to come. Naming the Westchester Post Office after him is not only to honor him and his family but the community as well," said Davis.

District Manager E. Lynn Smith, U.S. Postal Service, spoke of the importance of a local Post Office and the connection to the community.

"Everyone can identify with a local Post Office. For many the local Post Office is the only connection people have with the Postal Service. The U.S. Postal Service® is the most visible and personal of all federal agencies. To have a local Post Office building renamed after a person in the community is a significant honor," said Smith.

On December 18, 2006, legislation to designate the Post Office building located at 10240 Roosevelt Road, Westchester, Illinois, as the "John J. Sinde Post Office Building" was signed in to law by the President. This legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Danny K. Davis.

The Sinde family also attended the dedication ceremony in Westchester. They received a framed art replica of the plaque, and had the opportunity to view the actual plaque on display in the lobby. The plaque has the new building name on it as well as the law number and date it was enacted into Congress.

An independent federal agency, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that visits 146 million homes and businesses, six days a week. It has 37,000 retail locations and relies on the sale of postage, products, and services to cover its operating expenses. The Postal Service has annual revenues of $73 billion and delivers nearly half the world’s mail.