[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 119 (Wednesday, September 11, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1283]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN HONOR OF R. BURNETT MILLER'S 9OTH BIRTHDAY

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                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 11, 2013

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Sacramento's 
former mayor, city councilman and a prominent member of our community, 
R. Burnett Miller, as he celebrates his 90th birthday. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in honoring this great civic-minded individual 
who has served his country with honor and has contributed so much to 
the Sacramento region.
  Burnett was born in Sacramento, California, in 1923 and graduated 
from C.K. McClatchy High School. He began his life of service by 
joining the ROTC at Santa Clara College in 1941. He was a sophomore 
when World War II began, and went on to serve our nation in the Battle 
of the Bulge, and was a part of the U.S. 11th Armored Division when it 
liberated the Mauthausen concentration camp in Austria on May 6, 1945. 
His service earned him a Purple Heart and the Silver Star for gallantry 
in action against an enemy of our nation. His experiences were featured 
in Ken Burns' documentary The War on PBS.
  Burnett completed his college education at Georgetown University and 
lived in Europe for several years; however, he never forgot his 
hometown. Burnett moved back to Sacramento and joined his family's 
lumber business, which later became known as Burnett and Sons Planing 
Mill and Lumber Company. For over 144 years, this company has prided 
itself in special and unique craftsmanship and has provided high-
quality jobs to local Sacramentans.
  Burnett continued his lifetime of public service by serving first as 
a member of the Sacramento City Council and then as mayor. As a leader 
in our community, Burnett has championed local causes and 
organizations, raising funds for the Crocker Art Museum, the Sacramento 
Symphony, and the Sacramento History Center.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing 
the great life of my friend, R. Burnett Miller, as he celebrates his 
90th birthday with his lovely wife Mimi, his children and his friends 
and family in Sacramento. His life and legacy are an inspiration to us 
all.

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