BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — About 300 people turned out in Bakersfield, California, for the naming of a post office for Merle Haggard.

The late country music legend’s sister and widow were among those at a Friday ceremony near downtown honoring Haggard.

The event fell on the two-year anniversary of his death – and what would have been his 81st birthday.

He rose from poverty and prison to global fame through songs about outlaws, underdogs and an abiding sense of national pride. His hits include “Okie From Muskogee” and “Sing Me Back Home.”

– From news service reports


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