Assemblyman Bill Reilich (R,C,I-Greece) is pleased to announce today that the Greece Branch of the United States Post Office will be adding a memorial plaque to the exterior of its building in an effort to memorialize fallen local hero Lance Cpl. Brian Schramm. Reilich said that after a two-year venture of back and forth bureaucracy, rules, and repeatedly being turned down for the new, exterior location, the post office is finally granting the addition of a larger plaque in a more prominent, exterior location to complete the dedication. Reilich noted that the interior plaque will not be removed.
“This is a great victory for the people of this community and especially to the family of Lance Cpl. Brian Schramm,” said Reilich. “I firmly believe our fallen heroes should get all the recognition necessary for serving their country and giving us the freedoms that we have today. Everyone in this community has waited a long time for this to happen and we can now say that this memorial will be complete and in a location where all can see.”
According to Reilich’s office, the postal policy on dedication plaques limits placement to the interior of a post office. In 2010, a small plaque was made in memory of Lance Cpl. Brian Schramm, and was dedicated and mounted to the interior of the Greece Branch. This prompted cries of disappointment from the public due to its location and lack of visibility. Months later, Reilich’s office learned of a similar situation where a waiver was granted to a local Hornell Post Office Branch facility, therefore, prompting Reilich’s office to re-open their case for the Lance Cpl. Brian Schramm dedication.
On October 15, 2004, a community friend and neighbor, Brian Schramm, gave his life defending our country's greatest attribute, freedom. His family, friends and the community in which he lived have promised to never forget his sacrifice. United in their commitment to Brian, they created the Brian Schramm Scholarship, which is awarded to a college-bound student who demonstrates the extraordinary qualities exhibited by Brian.
“I understand the need for the post office to follow their rules and regulations, but this is an important exception for remembering a community hero,” said Reilich. “I would like to thank District Manager Kathleen Burns of the United States Postal Service for her help, cooperation and diligence throughout this long, arduous process and to everyone else involved in bringing this dedication to fruition.”
Reilich noted that an official memorial re-dedication ceremony will be taking place at the Greece Branch once the construction of the memorial is completed. For more information on the ceremony, please contact Assemblyman Bill Reilich’s district office at 585-225-4190.