[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 151 (Thursday, November 18, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1981]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING ALBERT BURSTEIN'S APPOINTMENT AS CHEVALIER OF THE FRENCH 
                            LEGION OF HONOR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEVEN R. ROTHMAN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 2010

  Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
my dear friend Mr. Albert Burstein upon his appointment as Chevalier of 
the Legion of Honor by the President of the French Republic, Mr. 
Nicolas Sarkozy. This prestigious distinction was conferred upon Mr. 
Burstein on November 11, 2010 to express the deep appreciation and 
gratitude of the French people for his contribution to the liberation 
of their country during World War II.
  Mr. Burstein joined the United States Army on May 8, 1943 in Fort 
Dix, New Jersey. He became a member of the 44th Infantry Division and 
was soon shipped overseas, where his outfit was quickly engaged in 
combat in the south central region of France. Having received Army 
specialized training in the German language, Mr. Burstein was placed in 
charge of troops at the front lines in order to watch for oncoming 
German counter attacks. Following his honorable discharge from the 
Army, Mr. Burstein was awarded both the Combat Infantryman Badge and 
the Bronze Star Medal.
  Albert Burstein's extraordinary accomplishments and steadfast 
devotion to public service continued after his departure from the 
military. Al served as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly from 
1971 to 1981, during which he held several leadership positions, 
including Chairman of the Assembly Education Committee and Assembly 
Majority Leader. He remained committed to improving the quality of 
schools in the State of New Jersey and across the country, serving as a 
member and chairman of numerous education commissions and boards. On 
the federal level, Mr. Burstein was appointed by the Secretary of 
Health, Education and Welfare to serve as Chairman of the Model 
Adoption Legislation and Procedures Advisory Panel from 1978 to 1979.
  Mr. Burstein continues to provide his expertise and leadership to the 
people of New Jersey as partner in a distinguished law firm in 
Hackensack, New Jersey--Herten, Burstein, Sheridan, Cevasco, 
Bottinelli, Litt & Harz, L.L.C. He is an active member of his community 
and has been recognized for his legal work in Bergen County. Mr. 
Burstein is a great source of pride and admiration for his loving 
family, including his wife Ruth; his children Jeff, Diane, and Laura; 
and his grandchildren Alexandra, William, and Julia.
  Madam Speaker, today I would like to congratulate Albert Burstein on 
being honored by the people of France and thank him for both his 
military heroism and his lifelong commitment to serving our great 
Nation. I am grateful to have had such a dedicated and outstanding 
individual as an honored friend and role model for over 30 years.

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