Residents and officials in Merle Haggard's hometown of Bakersfield, Calif. are hoping to rename the local post office in the country legend's honor.
Haggard is a Bakersfield native and probably the town's most famous son. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the House majority leader from Bakersfield, introduced the idea and the vote passed unanimously. According to Bakersfield Now, they're hoping to rename the U.S. Postal Service facility at 1730 18th St. "The Merle Haggard Post Office Building."
"Merle Haggard was a man who knew America instinctively because he lived an American life," McCarthy said in his speech to congress.
"From a man who went from Bakersfield High to San Quintin prison, to the Country Music Hall of Fame, a building doesn't seem like much," he continued. "But, I hope when people pass by the Merle Haggard Post Office Building in Downtown Bakersfield, they will remember an icon of our community, an artist who never backed down."
He went on to say that Haggard's music inspires us to do the best with every day we're given. Although it's "just a building," pursuing the renaming is a kind gesture. Haggard could be the most iconic figure that will ever come out of Bakersfield.
READ MORE: See Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard's Incredible Duet for New PBS Documentary
Rep. McCarthy was spot-on when he coined Haggard's life as American. It truly was. The man pulled himself out of a rough life — with just hard work and music.
Now that the resolution has passed the House, it must get approval from the Senate and the President. And why wouldn't it?
