[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 23, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1370]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  A TRIBUTE TO PEGGY AND FOSTER BURTON

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ED PASTOR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 23, 1999

  Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, fifty years ago, on June 18, 1949, Peggy and 
Foster Burton were married in Wheeling, West Virginia. Peggy is the 
daughter of Larry Gideon, a first generation American of Austrian 
immigrant parents and Blanch Van Kirk, whose American roots date to the 
17th century New Amsterdam colony and Scotch-Irish settlement in 
Pennsylvania. Foster is descended largely from Scottish Highlanders 
with Scotch, English and Irish ancestors.
  Foster Burton was born in Wheeling, West Virginia. He served three 
years in the United States Marine Corp before receiving an Honorable 
Discharge in 1946. Dr. Burton earned bachelor degrees in Civil 
Engineering and Industrial Management from Carnegie Tech. He then 
earned his Master of Business Administration from New York University 
and a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Burton 
accepted a teaching position in my home state, at Arizona State 
University (ASU), where he served as a professor of the Del Webb School 
of Construction for 24 years.
  Peggy Burton was born in Washington, Pennsylvania. Her family moved 
to Wheeling when she was fourteen. Mrs. Burton received both her 
Bachelors degree in Fine Arts and Master of Education degree from ASU 
while maintaining a household with three children. Mrs. Burton was the 
first official Director of the Tempe Historical Museum. She also served 
as the Exhibition Coordinator for ASU's Public Events Division.
  Since their retirement, Peggy and Foster Burton's primary source of 
enjoyment has been their five grandchildren. Now their three children, 
Foster, Margaret (Meg) and Elizabeth, carry on their parent's legacy of 
service to Arizona.
  In this day and age, it is rare to see couples with the fortitude to 
remain committed to each other and truly honor their wedding vows. The 
Burton's dedication to their family, community and each other is an 
inspiration to all Americans. I know that my fellow members will join 
me in wishing them a sincere congratulations for their fifty years 
together.

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