[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 85 (Wednesday, May 23, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E718]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TO DESIGNATE THE FACILITY AT THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE LOCATED 
AT 1355 NORTH MERIDIAN DRIVE IN HARRISTOWN, ILLINOIS, AS THE ``LOGAN S. 
                          PALMER POST OFFICE''

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                           HON. RODNEY DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 23, 2018

  Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, on August 21, 2017, the 
USS John McCain collided with a merchant ship off the coast of 
Singapore, in an accident that ultimately killed 10 sailors, including 
a constituent of mine, Petty Officer Logan S. Palmer of Harristown, 
Illinois.
  This was an absolutely terrible tragedy that became a huge story due 
to many mistakes that were made leading up to it. After the accident, I 
spent a lot of time talking with Logan Palmer's family, helping them 
navigate the unchartered waters of dealing with such a tragedy and 
consoling them.
  Palmer survived the initial collision of the USS McCain, but kept 
himself in harm's way in order to help his fellow shipmates. At age 23, 
he went far too early. His flag-draped casket was carried into the 
church on the day of his funeral by a Naval honor guard in dress 
uniform. Navy officers and sailors saluted the casket, which was 
surrounded by flowers of red, white and blue. The sailors were followed 
by troops of Boy Scouts who also saluted Palmer's casket, marking the 
loss of one of their own; Petty Officer Palmer had achieved the rank of 
Eagle Scout.
  After the experience, we decided it would be appropriate to introduce 
legislation in Petty Officer Palmer's honor, naming the Post Office in 
his hometown after him. The bill would designate the post office 
located at 1355 North Meridian Road in Harristown, Illinois as the 
``Logan S. Palmer Post Office.'' I have built a special bond with the 
Palmer family and feel that it's only appropriate that we honor the 
Petty Officer in this unique way that will allow those of us in 
Illinois to always remember Logan as the hero he was.

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