Mulberry, Fla., Jan. 29, 2016 – U.S. Rep. Dennis A. Ross (FL-15), Senior Deputy Majority Whip, today officially designated the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2000 Mulford Road in Mulberry, Florida, as the “Sergeant First Class Daniel M. Ferguson Post Office.” After Sgt. First Class Ferguson was killed in the 2014 Fort Hood, Texas, shooting, Ross introduced legislation to name the facility after him that same year, and again in early 2015, with support from the entire Florida delegation in the 114th Congress. The legislation was signed into law on July 20, 2015. The Mulberry Post Office ceremony today was attended by Ross and his staff, U.S. Postal Service personnel, and Sgt. First Class Ferguson’s family, and included a Pledge of Allegiance, remarks honoring Sgt. First Class Ferguson, a poem reading, and a releasing of doves.
“We talk about being a hero, and about putting self beside others to do a selfless act, which is what Sgt. First Class Ferguson did,” Ross stated at the ceremony. “I don’t know what it takes, but I assume it takes a strong family. I would assume it takes raising somebody and instilling in them the confidence, the peace and the bravery to know that no matter what occasion may arise, to do what is right is always the right thing to do. As one of our most prized and honored members of our military, let this building be a legacy of his spirit, of his bravery, and of his loyalty to a country that remains incredibly grateful to him and his family for his service.”
Ross’ ceremonial speech as prepared for delivery:
"Good morning, and thank you all so much for being here today to honor to the brave life of Sgt. First Class Daniel M. Ferguson.
"I want to especially recognize Sgt. First Class Ferguson’s family members that are with us here today: his parents, David and Barbara Ferguson; his sister and brother-in-law, Randi and Scott Littlejohn; and his niece and nephew, Cassi and Gavin.
"As the father of two sons, words cannot express the depth of sympathy I have for your loss, and I pray God gives you peace and comfort throughout your days.
"I would also like to thank the United States Postal Service for their hard work in helping put on this ceremony. This long journey started almost two years ago, but finally it is fitting to honor Sgt. First Class Ferguson today, as he so deserves.
"The tragic events that took place on April 2, 2014, when a shooter killed Sgt. First Class Ferguson and three of his fellow service members at Fort Hood, Texas, shook our military community and our nation to their cores.
"However, some may not remember a story of heroism that came out of that horrific event.
"Sgt. First Class Ferguson, who was stationed at Fort Hood along with his fiancée, sacrificed his life to save his fellow soldiers.
"A Veteran of Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan, Sgt. First Class Ferguson bravely wedged himself against a set of unlocked doors to block the attacker’s advance.
"Without his heroic actions, those present that day have said there would have been numerous additional casualties and fatalities.
"Sgt. First Class Ferguson succumbed to wounds he sustained during this act of violence, leaving behind many heartbroken loved ones, but also many grateful fellow soldiers.
"Without hesitation, Sgt. First Class Ferguson gave his own life to protect the lives of his fellow men and women in uniform.
"Sgt. First Class Ferguson was a tremendous soldier and an exceptional member of the Mulberry and Polk County communities that I am honored to represent.
"That is why, in honor of his courageous sacrifice, I am proud to name this Post Office located at 2000 Mulford Road, Mulberry, Florida, as the Sgt. First Class Daniel M. Ferguson Post Office.
"Let us never forget or take for granted the selfless and brave acts by our service members to protect our great nation and its people every single day. Thank you, again, and may God bless you all and may God bless this great country."
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