Floor SpeechNeutral2026-05-19

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ROBERT C. "BOB" BURNHAM, SR.

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On 2026-05-19, Representative Tim Walberg (R-MI-5) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ROBERT C. "BOB" BURNHAM, SR." in the House.

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HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ROBERT C. "BOB" BURNHAM, SR.

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 85 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 85 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E460] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ROBERT C. ``BOB'' BURNHAM, SR. ______ HON. TIM WALBERG of michigan in the house of representatives Tuesday, May 19, 2026 Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Robert C. ``Bob'' Burnham, Sr., who will be posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, and to pay tribute to a life marked by service, sacrifice, and devotion to both his country and his family. Bob joined the United States Army in 1943 as the world faced unparalleled conflict during World War II. He completed basic training at Fort Custer, where he prepared for the demands of wartime service with discipline and resolve. He went on to serve as a member of Battery D of the 548th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion, rising to the rank of Corporal through dedication and leadership. In 1945, while serving in Germany, Bob was wounded in action. His courage and sacrifice during this pivotal moment in our Nation's history stand as lasting reminders of the price paid by those who fought to secure freedom and peace around the world. In 1946, Bob returned home and built a life grounded in humility, hard work, and steadfast love for his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose quiet strength shaped the lives of all who knew him. Bob also served his community for many years as a courier for Kalamazoo Public Schools. Mr. Speaker, the life of Robert Burnham, Sr. reflects the very best values of our Nation: courage in service, dedication in work, and love in family. As we honor him with the Purple Heart, may this recognition stand not only as acknowledgment of his sacrifice on the battlefield but also of the dedication and resolve that he lived each day of his life. May his family find comfort in knowing his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. ____________________

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HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ROBERT C. "BOB" BURNHAM, SR. Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 85 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 85 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E460] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ROBERT C. ``BOB'' BURNHAM, SR. ______ HON. TIM WALBERG of michigan in the house of representatives Tuesday, May 19, 2026 Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Robert C. ``Bob'' Burnham, Sr., who will be posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, and to pay tribute to a life marked by service, sacrifice, and devotion to both his country and his family. Bob joined the United States Army in 1943 as the world faced unparalleled conflict during World War II. He completed basic training at Fort Custer, where he prepared for the demands of wartime service with discipline and resolve. He went on to serve as a member of Battery D of the 548th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion, rising to the rank of Corporal through dedication and leadership. In 1945, while serving in Germany, Bob was wounded in action. His courage and sacrifice during this pivotal moment in our Nation's history stand as lasting reminders of the price paid by those who fought to secure freedom and peace around the world. In 1946, Bob returned home and built a life grounded in humility, hard work, and steadfast love for his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose quiet strength shaped the lives of all who knew him. Bob also served his community for many years as a courier for Kalamazoo Public Schools. Mr. Speaker, the life of Robert Burnham, Sr. reflects the very best values of our Nation: courage in service, dedication in work, and love in family. As we honor him with the Purple Heart, may this recognition stand not only as acknowledgment of his sacrifice on the battlefield but also of the dedication and resolve that he lived each day of his life. May his family find comfort in knowing his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. ____________________