WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) announced the passage of her bill to designate the U.S. post office at 1225 Kempsville Road in Virginia Beach, VA the “Colonel Edward D. Shames Post Office Building,” which passed the House by voice. This designation honors the extraordinary legacy of World War II veteran Colonel Shames and is the second Kiggans bill to pass the House this week.

“This is a proud day for Virginia’s Second District and a fitting tribute to an American hero that dedicated his life to serving our country,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “Colonel Shames represented the very best of the Greatest Generation from the beaches of Normandy to the brutal winter of Bastogne and continued service for his community after the war ended. I’m grateful that the House came together today on this legislation and I’d like to thank Colonel Shames’ family for helping preserve his remarkable legacy and sharing his story for future generations,” Kiggans concluded.

Watch Rep. Kiggans’ speech from the House Floor here.

Read Rep. Kiggans’ remarks prior to the bill’s passage as prepared for delivery:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 7365, which would designate the United States Post Office located at 1225 Kempsville Road in Virginia Beach as the Colonel Edward D. Shames Post Office Building.

Colonel Shames was a proud Virginian, a decorated World War II veteran, and a member of one of the most storied units in American military history: Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division.

Colonel Shames enlisted in the Army in 1942 and volunteered to become a paratrooper.

On June 6, 1944, he parachuted into Normandy as part of the D-Day invasion. During the Normandy campaign, his leadership under fire earned him a battlefield commission, and he would go on to serve as an officer in Easy Company.

He fought in Operation Market Garden, endured the brutal Battle of the Bulge at Bastogne, and participated in the Allied advance into Germany.

For his courage and sacrifice in combat, Colonel Shames was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

The remarkable story of Easy Company would later become known around the world through Stephen Ambrose’s Band of Brothers and the television series it inspired.

But Colonel Shames’ service to our country did not end with World War II.

He continued serving in the Army Reserve and in our national security community before retiring with the rank of colonel in 1973.

He eventually made Virginia Beach his home, where he remained an active member of our community and a strong advocate for veterans and military remembrance.

When Colonel Shames passed away in 2021 at the age of 99, he was the last surviving officer of Easy Company.

Mr. Speaker, in Hampton Roads, we understand that the freedoms we enjoy today were secured by generations of Americans who answered the call to serve.

Colonel Edward D. Shames was one of those Americans.

By placing his name on the Kempsville Road Post Office, we can ensure that his story, and the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism of the Greatest Generation he represented, continues to be remembered by the Virginia Beach community for generations to come.

I am proud that this legislation has received bipartisan support, and I thank my colleagues for helping us bring it to the House floor today.

I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 7365 and help us provide this lasting tribute to a distinguished Virginia veteran and American hero.

I yield back.

The bill will now move to the Senate for consideration.

Background:

In February 2026, Congresswoman Kiggans introduced H.R. 7365, Designate the U.S. Postal Service facility located at 1225 Kempsville Road in Virginia Beach, Virginia, as the “Colonel Edward D. Shames Post Office Building.” Read her press release here. 

Edward D. Shames enlisted in the United States Army in August 1942 and was assigned to the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division.

On June 6, 1944, he was among the brave American servicemembers who parachuted into Normandy as part of Operation Overlord, launching one of the most pivotal missions in the fight for freedom during World War II.

Upon receiving a battlefield commission and transferring to Easy Company, Shames served in the Netherlands during Operation Market Garden and the grueling conditions of the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium. Shames is also noted as one of the first American soldiers to enter Adolf Hitler’s “Eagle’s Nest” in 1945.

For his gallantry and leadership, Shames received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star, and his service was covered in Stephen E. Ambrose’s book as well as the acclaimed HBO miniseries, Band of Brothers.  

After serving as a specialist on Middle East affairs and in the U.S. Army Reserve, Shames retired from the U.S. Army with the rank of colonel in 1974. Following his retirement, Colonel Shames lived in Virginia Beach, serving as a steadfast advocate for veterans and the servicemembers he so proudly stood beside during World War II.

Colonel Shames’ service embodies courage, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to our nation. His legacy stands as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary valor of the Greatest Generation and the selfless commitment of those who answered the call to defend liberty.