ROCK ISLAND -- Quad-Cities officials, veterans and residents honored former U. S. Rep. Lane Evans Monday as the Rock Island Post Office on 11th Street was renamed the "Lane Evans Post Office Building."

More than 70 people packed the post office, at 2633 11th St., to pay their respects to Mr. Evans --- a Marine turned congressman who was a champion for veterans' issues.

"I appreciate what you've done for me," Mr. Evans said to the crowd. "Thank you."

Rep. Phil Hare, D-Rock Island, and Rep. Ray LaHood, R-Peoria, pushed through legislation to dedicate the building to Mr. Evans. President Bush signed the legislation in March.

After 24 years as the 17th District congressman, Mr. Evans retired last year because of the progressive effects of Parkinson's disease. Rep. Hare, who served as Mr. Evans' district director, was elected to fill his spot.

"What has always struck me was the humility (Mr. Evans) showed to everyone he knew," said Rep. Hare, who choked up before continuing. Mr. Evans sat off to the side.

"Lane had the remarkable ability to relate to service men and women," Rep. Hare said. "My only hope is when I leave the House, I can do half the things Lane did for this nation."

Mr. Evans fought to get medical treatment for children who had spina bifida as a result of their fathers' exposure to the herbicide Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. Spina bifida is a birth defect that affects the spine.

He also fought to improve veterans' health care access and other benefits.

Veterans, like P.J. Hymes, say they're grateful for what Mr. Evans did.

"(The dedication) means the U.S. government and Congress have recognized a Marine, a fellow veteran and statesman who had worked his whole life doing things for his country, his veterans and the community," said Mr. Hymes, commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1303 in Rock Island. He is a retired U.S. Navy chief petty officer.

Veteran Mike Malmstrom, one of Mr. Evans' legal guardians, said the post office's renaming was "well-deserved."

"It's only a drop in the bucket when he's given everything to veterans," said Mr. Malmstrom, director of Homeless Veterans Stand Down. He served as a sergeant in the Marine Corps.

Maurie Kerckhove, past VFW state commander, said veterans today benefit from what Mr. Evans did.

Douglas Morrow, manager of the U.S. Postal Service Hawkeye District, said he was proud to rename the building for a "true representative."

Rock Island County board chairman Jim Bohnsack said the renaming of the post office "was something we all hoped to have."

The colors were presented by the American Legion Post 569 of Milan, the VFW Post 200, of Rock Island, and the VFW Post 1303, of Rock Island.