[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 14 (Wednesday, January 23, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E76]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MR. ALBERT BURSTEIN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 23, 2019

  Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I would like to call to your attention 
the many outstanding achievements of Mr. Albert Burstein. I recognize 
the many contributions he has made to the people of the Ninth 
Congressional District and the State of New Jersey.
  Expressing the influence of Mr. Albert Burstein to our community and 
country is an honor. A Columbia graduate, lawyer, political reformer, 
state legislator and World War II veteran, Mr. Burstein stands as an 
example to us all. As a member of our Greatest Generation, Albert was 
present for many of our country's greatest challenges. It gives me 
great pleasure to add my personal appreciation and commendation for all 
that he has done.
  Born on November 22, 1922, to Julius and Hannah Burstein, Albert's 
story begins with his family in Jersey City, New Jersey. Julius and 
Hannah were immigrants from Poland and Albert spoke highly of their 
willingness and bravery to start a new life here in the United States. 
I know Albert was a source of great pride flourishing in the new 
country they called home. Let his experience be another success story 
to others in pursuit of the American Dream.
  On December 7, 1941, the attack on Pearl Harbor would change the 
lives of many Americans, Albert Burstein included. A student in his 
junior year at Columbia University, Albert was cognizant of the looming 
threat in Europe. However, the attack on Pearl Harbor would postpone 
his studies at Columbia University and on May 8, 1943 Albert would be 
dispatched to Wheeler, Georgia for basic training.
  While a recruit, Albert was enrolled in the Army Specialized Training 
Program (ASTP). Assigned to study German history and language, Mr. 
Burstein was temporarily transferred to the University of Nebraska to 
complete his training. This endeavor would be short lived since the 
growing demand in Europe would abruptly end many of the U.S. Army's 
training programs. Moved between Louisiana and Mississippi for advanced 
infantry training, in the period of a month Albert was in Cherbourg, 
France.
  Enduring the rigors of war, Albert served our country for thirty-
three months in active duty. For Albert's valiant efforts in WWII, he 
was honored with the Bronze Star and named to the French Legion of 
Honor for his service in France. Albert Burstein answered the call and 
came home safely. WWII is one of the greatest challenges our nation has 
ever faced, and Albert Burstein stands as a great American who answered 
the call to duty.
  Returning to civilian life, Albert reenrolled in Columbia University 
where he would meet his wife Ruth and complete his education with a law 
degree. Albert and Ruth would marry in December of 1950 and have three 
beautiful children together, Jeffrey, Diane and Laura. Living in Jersey 
City, Mr. Burstein established Wolf Baumann and Burstein, a place where 
he would work for thirty years. While living in Jersey City, Albert 
would get his first taste for politics starting an independent 
committee aimed at addressing the needs of the city and its people. 
Nevertheless, Albert and Ruth would move to Tenafly, New Jersey after 
determining they wanted to move to a quiet town.
  Living in Bergen County, Albert would establish himself as a 
political authority. Holding office in the New Jersey State Legislature 
for ten years, Mr. Burstein would represent the 37th legislative 
district. As an Assemblyman, Mr. Burstein would serve as the Assembly 
Majority leader and advance many important causes during his time as a 
public servant. Presiding on the New Jersey Election Law Revision 
Committee and the Law Revision Commission, Assemblyman Burstein 
championed efforts to reform New Jersey's election and public financing 
laws.
  The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is 
rewarding, yet nothing compares to working with and recognizing the 
efforts of dedicated individuals like Mr. Albert Burstein.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, family, friends 
and the residents of the Ninth Congressional District in recognizing, 
Mr. Albert Burstein and his outstanding character and service to his 
country and community.

                          ____________________