Floor SpeechNeutral2026-06-08

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ROBERT L. BURTON

Context

On 2026-06-08, Representative Darin LaHood (R-IL-16) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ROBERT L. BURTON" in the House.

Full Text

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026)] [House] [Page H3977] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ROBERT L. BURTON (Mr. LaHOOD asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Robert L. Burton, who passed away on May 1 at the age of 102. Born in Georgia, Robert lived a remarkable life defined by patriotism, hard work, and devotion to his family and community. As a young man, he served in the Civilian Conservation Corps, answering the call to serve his country during the Great Depression. At just 18 years old, Robert enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces as a gunner before transferring to the Army, 28th Infantry. He landed on Normandy Beach just 9 days after D-Day and went on to serve throughout the European theater. For his bravery and sacrifice, he earned four battle stars, the Bronze Star, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. After the war, Robert settled in Peoria, Illinois, in my district, where he built his life and contributed to one of the region's defining corporations, Caterpillar. He spent more than 32 years as a skilled trades welder in East Peoria. He was a proud member of UAW Local 974, serving his fellow workers in several leadership roles. My heartfelt prayers are with his children, Patricia, Barbara, Pamela, Debra, Sheila, and Mike, and the entire Burton family. His legacy of service, courage, patriotism, and devotion to his community will endure for generations. ____________________

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HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ROBERT L. BURTON Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026)] [House] [Page H3977] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ROBERT L. BURTON (Mr. LaHOOD asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Robert L. Burton, who passed away on May 1 at the age of 102. Born in Georgia, Robert lived a remarkable life defined by patriotism, hard work, and devotion to his family and community. As a young man, he served in the Civilian Conservation Corps, answering the call to serve his country during the Great Depression. At just 18 years old, Robert enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces as a gunner before transferring to the Army, 28th Infantry. He landed on Normandy Beach just 9 days after D-Day and went on to serve throughout the European theater. For his bravery and sacrifice, he earned four battle stars, the Bronze Star, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. After the war, Robert settled in Peoria, Illinois, in my district, where he built his life and contributed to one of the region's defining corporations, Caterpillar. He spent more than 32 years as a skilled trades welder in East Peoria. He was a proud member of UAW Local 974, serving his fellow workers in several leadership roles. My heartfelt prayers are with his children, Patricia, Barbara, Pamela, Debra, Sheila, and Mike, and the entire Burton family. His legacy of service, courage, patriotism, and devotion to his community will endure for generations. ____________________