Governor Katherine C. Tobin
United States Postal Service
Naming of the Rocky Marciano Post Office
120 Commercial St.
Brockton, MA

2:00 p.m., Sunday, April 26, 2009

It is a pleasure and a privilege to be back here in Brockton for this wonderful event. I feel as if I’m home—my mother and sister live just one town over, in Easton, and my cousins are proud Brocktonians.

It is fitting that we are renaming this Post Office for Rocky Marciano, who used an old mail sack, stuffed and hung in his backyard, to first practice those legendary power punches of his. Those power punches led to his being the only heavyweight champion to ever complete his professional career without a loss.

The only time Rocky was ever licked was when his image was put on a U.S. Postage Stamp in May, 1999, as part of our Celebrate the Century series. His image, hands held above his head in victory, joined 14 others in honor of significant events in the 1950s.

From humble beginnings to the undefeated heavyweight champion of the world, Rocky Marciano exemplified the dignity, honesty and courage that distinguish truly great athletes from those who are just great at their craft.

Of course, he had natural abilities—he was strong and powerful. Everyone knew he could throw a punch—he also could take them. The man was tough. He had willpower. He trained himself relentlessly. Many of us smile when we hear of fighters who go off to training camp a few months before a fight. Rocky trained every day.

Rocky Marciano had the heart of a fighter, and he also had heart.

Even his defeated opponents had only good things to say about his character. “Jersey Joe” Walcott, who lost his title to Rocky, said “He was a man of courage inside the ring. Outside, he was kind and gentle.”

In a 1955 Collier’s interview, Rocky said “The influence you have that you can use for good, without being a crusader, goes so far beyond what you think, that it sometimes frightens you.”

Rocky not only gave hope and inspiration to generations of youngsters from blue-collar beginnings, he also visited leper colonies and polio wards, where he found his fighting spirit mirrored in patients’ eyes. He said those visits made him “realize what being champion of the world means.”

Rocky Marciano was a good man who overcame obstacles to become a great fighter, all the while never losing his inherent goodness. His life was an only-in-America story that inspires us all to believe and achieve, and so I am honored to be here at the naming of this United States Post Office for Rocky Marciano, the “Brockton Blockbuster.”

Before I leave, I’d like to remind you that the Postal Service has a couple of its own blockbusters and knock-outs coming to you in the next few months. On May 1, we deliver the one-two punch of the beautiful Wedding Rings and Cake stamps—they really are knock-outs, the artwork is fantastic.

Our stamp program is a great way to reach audiences. And, just as many people collected the Rocky Marciano “Brockton Blockbuster” stamp in 1999, we are reaching a new generation with our blockbuster Simpsons stamps. These stamps, eagerly awaited by youngsters across the nation and around the world, go on sale nationwide May 7.

All these stamps will be on sale before our price change May 11.

Thank you for allowing me to share this day with you, Brockton. Service is the core of our business, and I am sure you will enjoy a great customer experience when you walk through the doors of the newly renamed Rocky Marciano Post Office. Congratulations!