[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 124 (Thursday, September 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1884]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN HONOR OF SEYMOUR ROBINSON, MAY 24, 1916--SEPTEMBER 13, 2006

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                          HON. XAVIER BECERRA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 28, 2006

  Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Seymour 
Robinson, a passionate advocate, a loving family man, and a good friend 
who passed away on Wednesday, September 13, 2006. Family and friends 
will be gathering for a memorial service on October 1 in Los Angeles to 
honor Seymour's long and full life, which was marked by a remarkable 
family, dedicated community service, and incredible friendships.
  When an email came through from ``[email protected],'' you always knew 
you were in for a treat. Seymour reached out to so many of us on so 
many days--with emails containing an interesting article, a good joke, 
a personal observation, or a call to action. His email distribution 
list included members of Congress, community and business leaders, 
neighbors, friends, and just about anyone who was willing to sign up. 
So when the message arrived not long ago from [email protected] with the 
subject line ``Seymour Robinson memorial service,'' everyone from our 
Nation's leaders to faraway friends stopped in our tracks. Even when 
our loved ones and friends reach the amazing age of 90, we are still 
unprepared and deeply struck by their deaths. We come to rely on them 
to always be there, so that they might bestow upon us the strength and 
wisdom that we both need and appreciate.
  Seymour brought contagious energy and vigor to his life's activities. 
A tireless advocate who was always there to roll up his sleeves and 
fight, Seymour fought as a labor organizer for living wages, as a 
community organizer for racial integration and harmony, and as a 
political coordinator for AARP/Vote. While serving on the Mayor's 
Advisory Committee, he helped former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan 
govern better. During my tenure here in this body, he has helped me 
serve the interests of our seniors better through his AARP/Vote 
advocacy.
  And a special note about Seymour's service to our country during 
World War II.
  Seymour received the Croix de Guerre for his contributions during the 
D-Day invasion and the liberation of Paris. Our country owes a debt of 
gratitude to veterans like Seymour who fought on the battlefields of 
yesteryear for the freedoms we hold today.
  Our deepest sympathies are extended to his beloved wife of 60 years, 
Anita Robinson; children: David, Lorraine, and Billy Robinson; and his 
granddaughters: Rachel and Mara Woods-Robinson. Rarely do partnerships 
like Anita and Seymour's achieve the depth of commitment they had. To 
see Seymour light up when sharing a story about their travels was to 
see a man so passionately in love with his wife and so proud and 
content with their life together.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with heart-felt sorrow, yet great pride and 
admiration that I ask my colleagues to join me today in saluting 
Seymour Robinson. And though we are all comforted knowing that Seymour 
rests in peace, we also know that we have marching orders and must 
continue fighting for social justice in his honor.

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