Walz and Ellison Bill to Name Rochester Vet’s Clinic

02/22/2007

Washington, D.C.-Today, Rep. Tim Walz and Rep. Keith Ellison announced that they will introduce legislation re-naming the Rochester Veteran's Clinic the Marine Corporal Charles "Chuck" Lindberg V.A. Clinic. Lindberg, a Minnesota native, is the last living member of either party that raised flags on Iwo Jima in 1945, as WWII was coming to a close.

"Chuck Lindberg, like so many others, is a great inspiration and a great American hero," said Walz. "I can think of no more fitting way to honor his contributions to the war effort and to this nation."

"Honoring Mr. Lindberg - a constituent of mine from Richfield - truly one of the 'Greatest Generation' is not only appropriate; it is a fitting reminder these days of the selfless courage and patriotism every one of our servicemen and women routinely do for us - heroically for our country," Congressman Ellison stated.

Lindberg was a member of the party of Marines that raised the first American flag on Iwo Jima; the second flag-raising having been immortalized in the Joe Rosenthal photo. Friday, February 23 is the 52nd anniversary of the flag-raising.