Congressman Barney Frank
Representing Massachusetts' 4th District

PRESS RELEASE

House Passes Legislation to Honor Fallen Soldier
Native of Fall River

November 18, 2010

WASHINGTON – The House of Representatives last night passed legislation to rename the main post office in Fall River in memory of Sergeant Robert Barrett, who was killed by a suicide bomber on April 19, 2010 while serving in Afghanistan.

Sergeant Barrett was a native of Fall River and a 2007 graduate of B.M.C. Durfee High School.  He joined the Massachusetts Army National Guard upon graduation. He was just 20 years old when he died.  He is survived by his parents, Paul and Carlene Barrett of Fall River, his daughter Sophia Barrett, his sister Rebecca Barrett, and his girlfriend Alyssa Baracewicz.

The legislation honoring Sergeant Barrett was introduced in the House by Congressman Barney Frank and cosponsored by Congressman Jim McGovern and other members of the Massachusetts delegation.

In a speech on the House floor earlier this week, Congressman Frank acknowledged the loss suffered by Sergeant Barrett’s family.

“Again, to those who survive Sergeant Barrett, there is nothing we can do to replace the enormous loss you have suffered with the death of this wonderful young man, but I hope you will know that your country at least understands the depth of that loss and appreciates it.”

Frank also expressed the hope that the post office would serve as a reminder of the sacrifice Sergeant Barrett made for his country.

“Anybody who drives from anywhere outside of Massachusetts to Cape Cod will drive along that road and will get to see this post office, and I hope will be reminded of the extraordinary sacrifice that the young father, son and brother made on behalf of this country.”

The legislation designates the United States Post Office at 2 Government Center as the “Sergeant Robert Barrett Post Office Building.”  The bill passed the House by a vote of 417-0.  The legislation is sponsored by Senators John Kerry and Scott Brown in the Senate, where it is pending action.

 


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