[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 143 (Tuesday, August 11, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E748]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              CELEBRATING ALFRED BURGREEN'S 101ST BIRTHDAY

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                             HON. MAX ROSE

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 11, 2020

  Mr. ROSE of New York. Madam Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to 
join me today in extending our best wishes for my constituent, Mr. 
Alfred Burgreen, for his 101st birthday. The son of European 
immigrants, Alfred was born in New York City on August 15, 1919. He 
lived through the Great Depression and went on to serve in the 82nd 
Airborne where he helped liberate Europe from the Nazis.
  After he was wounded during the invasion of Sicily, Mr. Burgreen 
returned home, married Shirley Feldman, and attended Columbia 
University under the G.I. bill. He continued to dedicate his life to 
civil service and to raising a family of three children, six 
grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. His children describe him 
as an inveterate letter writer and a gracious host who is always 
willing to reach out and offer a friendly ear or some words of wisdom--
including the three most important lessons he passed on to his 
children: be empathetic, get an education, and always root for the 
Mets.
  Now, for the past 40 years, Mr. Burgreen has lived in Brooklyn 
surrounded by his incredibly loving support system. He's the oldest 
surviving member of the 82nd Airborne, a unit that he still continues 
to support to this day. Just a few years ago, a professor reached out 
to Mr. Burgreen asking for help writing his history of the 82nd 
Airborne. Not only did Alfred provide everything he'd kept from his 
days in the Army--photos, rosters, you name it--but he actually 
provided details about three soldiers who were listed as Missing in 
Action, details that might help the Army investigate and give closure 
to the families.
  This is just one example of Alfred Burgreen's incredible compassion 
and ability to keep people connected. So once again, I ask all of my 
colleagues to join me today in thanking Mr. Alfred Burgreen for his 
service to our nation and in wishing this hero not just a happy 101st 
birthday, but many more to come.

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