The U.S. is out of the World Cup in Brazil, but a record-setting performance by American goalkeeper Tim Howard has a coalition of proud Americans rethinking the name of a Washington-area airport.
Faced with constant pressure from a slick Belgian side, Mr. Howard made 16 saves in a 2-1 loss that required extra time. It is the most saves by a keeper in the World Cup since records were kept in the 1960s.
That prompted some fans to turn to “We the People,” a White House website that allows Americans to petition for causes and get a response from the White House. Previous petition have included pleas to deport Canada-born pop star Justin Bieber.
The soccer petition says Washington National Airport (DCA) should be renamed the “Tim Howard National Airport,” although it fails to note the place is already named for former President Ronald Reagan.
“Whereas Tim Howard has shown himself to be a national treasure, Minister of Defense, Friend of Joe Biden, and the holder for the record of most saves in a World Cup match; Therefore, we politely request that we rename the airport to recognize his accomplishments, and meritorious service to the United States of America,” the petition says.
So far, the petition has more than 2,000 signature. It will need roughly 98,000 more to reach the threshold that requires a response from the White House.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.