HONORING THE PATRIOTISM AND SERVICE OF JOHN KNOX BURTON

On 2026-06-18, Representative H. Morgan Griffith (R-VA-9) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE PATRIOTISM AND SERVICE OF JOHN KNOX BURTON" in the House.

HONORING THE PATRIOTISM AND SERVICE OF JOHN KNOX BURTON

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 103 (Thursday, June 18, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 103 (Thursday, June 18, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E586] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE PATRIOTISM AND SERVICE OF JOHN KNOX BURTON ______ HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH of virginia in the house of representatives Thursday, June 18, 2026 Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the remarkable patriotism and service of John Knox Burton, a decorated Vietnam War veteran who resides in Virginia's 9th District. In 1968, Mr. Burton made the honorable decision to answer his country's call and enlist in the military. He entered the military's ranks as a private, but following his stint at Officer Training School, he was a First Lieutenant for his deployment to Vietnam. In Vietnam, First Lieutenant Burton served as Assistant District Senior Advisor with a Republic of Vietnam Unit. It was during this time that First Lieutenant Burton trained local personnel and helped advise district government officials. His help and coordination of joint U.S. and Republic of Vietnam military efforts advanced U.S. military objectives. As a result of his service, First Lieutenant Burton earned high marks from military brass. His evaluating officers considered him to be one of the finest officers and commended his performance in combat in Vietnam. Among the awards of his decorated service, First Lieutenant Burton received the National Defense Service Medal, the Sharpshooter Badge, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with a Bronze Star. The Cross of Gallantry orders highlight Lieutenant Burton's brave service ``side by side with his Vietnamese counterparts.'' Virginia's 9th District is proud to be the home of this Vietnam War hero. After joining the Virginia Tech community in 1977, Mr. Bulton grew as a talented educator. He led numerous courses and initiatives, including his work for the Center for Instructional Technology Solutions in Industry and Education. In recognition of his successful career in education, Virginia Tech awarded Mr. Burton the Alumni Award for Excellence in International Outreach and later conferred upon him the title of ``Professor Emeritus.'' I join 9th District communities in honoring and celebrating the military service of Mr. Burton. His sacrifice to protect American life and liberty is to be fiercely commended. I hope that American military personnel continue to embody the same courage, values and service that Mr. Burton demonstrated to his country. ____________________