[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 54 (Monday, April 2, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E388]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                     HONORING WILLIAM H. ROBERTSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 2, 2018

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a symbol of American 
integrity in our community, William H. Robertson. Mr. Robertson 
celebrated his 90th birthday on Saturday, March 10, 2018.
  Bill Robertson was born to Henry and Mae Robertson on February 29, 
1928, in Bronx, New York. He grew up in Edgewater Park in the Bronx, 
and attended P.S. 72 Elementary School and Evander Childs High School.
  After graduation from high school in 1946, Bill followed in his 
father's footsteps and joined the electrician's union, the IBEW, Local 
3. He was deeply involved in community service, including social and 
athletic events sponsored by the Edgewater Athletic Association. Bill 
was also an organizer of the annual Edgewater Labor Day festivities, a 
unifying event for the Bronx.
  Answering a call to duty, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army in September 
1950. After completing his Basic Training at Fort Devens, 
Massachusetts, he returned home on leave, and married his long-time 
sweetheart, Helen. Bill was deployed to serve in the Korean conflict as 
a member of the 7th Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. He served proudly 
in difficult combat engagements, and was wounded in July, 1951, though 
he returned to the battlefield for the duration of his enlistment. Bill 
was awarded the Purple Heart, the Korean Service Medal, and the United 
Nations Service Medal. He was given his Honorable Discharge from the 
U.S. Army on June 26, 1952. Bill's love of country never wavered, and 
to this day, he is an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
  In 1963, the Robertsons moved to Crestwood, Yonkers, where Bill found 
new ways to contribute He was an active member of the Annunciation 
Parish and the Hillcrest Lakers Community Club. He taught, coached, and 
helped run a men's softball league, and was president of a bowling 
league in the Bronx.
  In 2009 Bill and Helen moved north to Yorktown Heights, New York. He 
is now enjoying retirement with his wife of 67 years, and his wonderful 
family, including his 10 grandchildren.
  Bill is an inspiration to us all and it is my honor to recognize him. 
Congratulations to him, and I want to wish him a very happy birthday.

                          ____________________