Fitzgerald Commends Passage of Colonel Heg Post Office Bill in Senate Markup
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement after the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs passed his bill to rename the U.S. Post Office in Muskego in honor of Colonel Hans Christian Heg.
The bill, H.R. 7199, designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at S74w16860 Janesville Road, in Muskego, Wisconsin, as the “Colonel Hans Christian Heg Post Office.” Colonel Hans Christian Heg was a staunch abolitionist who was the highest-ranking Union casualty from Wisconsin in the Civil War.
“I commend my Senate colleagues on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, including Senator Ron Johnson, for passing my bill today that honors a Wisconsin hero and American patriot, Colonel Hans Christian Heg. Colonel Heg served honorably as both a Colonel of the 15th Wisconsin Infantry during the Civil War and as a staunch abolitionist,” said Rep. Fitzgerald (WI-05). “This bill ensures that Colonel Heg’s legacy remains an enduring one in Wisconsin for generations to come. I look forward to seeing this bill swiftly passed on the Senate floor and signed into law.”
BACKGROUND: In 1840, Colonel Hans Christian Heg immigrated to Wisconsin from Norway at just ten years old and his family settled in Muskego. Mr. Heg was eventually appointed Colonel of the 15th Wisconsin Infantry, and he and his men went on to win a major battle for control of the Mississippi River at Island No. 10 during the Civil War and they were given the honor of raising the flag by battle commander Flag Officer Andrew Foote.
On September 20, 1863, at the battle of Chickamauga in Georgia, the 33-year-old Colonel was shot and Killed In Action while serving the Union. After the war, veterans raised funds to erect a cannonball pyramid at Chickamauga National Military Park dedicated to Colonel Hans Christian Heg.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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