In a warm ceremony, the city of Richfield, MN, came together to honor World War II hero Charles W. Lindberg by renaming the local Post Office in his memory. The event was a tribute to Lindberg’s bravery and his significant contribution to American history as a member of the first group to raise the American flag on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima. The ceremony was attended by Lindberg’s family members, along with Senator Amy Klobuchar, U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar, Richfield Mayor Mary Supple, and other distinguished guests.

Chad Way, Minneapolis Postmaster, delivered a moving speech, stating, "Today, we honor Charles W. Lindberg, a true American hero whose bravery and sacrifice during the Battle of Iwo Jima led him to make history as a member of the first group to raise the American flag on Mount Suribachi. His courage and dedication to our nation will forever inspire future generations. By renaming the Richfield Post Office to the Charles W. Lindberg Post Office, we pay tribute to him and to all our service men and women who make significant contributions and sacrifices for our country."

Charles W. Lindberg, born in Grand Forks, North Dakota, enlisted in the Marine Corps shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor and quickly volunteered for the elite Marine Raiders unit. During the Battle of Iwo Jima, Lindberg served as a flamethrower operator. On February 23, 1945, he was part of a 40-man combat patrol that captured the summit of Mount Suribachi and raised the first American flag. Just days later, on March 1, Lindberg was wounded by a sniper and evacuated from the island. For his bravery and service, he was awarded the Silver Star Medal.

After being honorably discharged in 1946, Lindberg returned home, married, and eventually settled in Richfield, MN, where he worked as an electrician for 39 years. He spent much of his later life sharing the story of the first flag-raising on Mount Suribachi, often speaking at schools to educate young people about his experiences and the importance of service.
As the ceremony concluded, there was a profound sense of gratitude and remembrance in the air. The Charles W. Lindberg Post Office now stands as a lasting tribute to a man whose legacy of courage, sacrifice, and dedication to his country will continue to inspire the Richfield community and beyond.

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