WASHINGTON, D.C. – A bill to honor the legacy of a fallen New Jersey soldier passed the US Senate just days before Memorial Day after U.S. Sens. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) launched an effort to advance the legislation last month.

The bill, which now heads to President Obama’s desk, would rename the Deptford Township, New Jersey, post office the “Savatore S. Corma II Post Office Building” in honor of the sacrifice made by First Lieutenant Salvatore S. Corma II – a US Army soldier and native of Deptford Township who was tragically killed in action in Afghanistan in 2010. First Lieutenant Corma is also a recipient of the Purple Heart Medal.

“I am pleased the full Senate has recognized and honored First Lt. Corma for his bravery in service. On this Memorial Day weekend, let the dedication of Deptford Township’s post office in his name serve as a small symbol of the profound gratitude we will forever have for all our service members who have lost their lives for this nation and for our way of life,” Sen. Menendez said. “This well-deserved tribute will ensure that the courageous service and ultimate sacrifice of First Lt. Corma will remain an example of courage and valor to the community and will serve as a reminder to all of us that the men and women who have worn the uniform have honored us – and this nation – more than we could ever honor them.”

“As we reflect on the sacrifices made by our brave service men and women this Memorial Day weekend, I am grateful that the Senate passed this bill honoring First Lieutenant Salvatore S. Corma II, who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect his fellow soldiers from harm and defend our country,” Sen. Booker said. “I look forward to the day when the Deptford Township post office is renamed in his honor and becomes a lasting tribute to his memory and his service.”

In April, Menendez and Booker introduced the Senate companion to a bill authored by Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-01) to rename the Deptford Township post office in honor of First Lieutenant Corma. The legislation was unanimously passed by the House on April 18, and approved by voice vote in the Senate late yesterday.

“What better way to observe this Memorial Day, than to salute a local fallen hero with this tribute. Sal’s favorite expression was ‘Carpe Diem,” which is Latin for ‘seize the day.’ The actions in the House and now in the Senate show that we have seized the opportunity to honor a great American from South Jersey—an honor he deserved not just in death, but in life as well,” Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-01) said.

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