[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Pages 5169-5170]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



     THE 80TH BIRTHDAY OF HAROLD BURSON, FOUNDING CHAIRMAN, BURSON-
                               MARSTELLER

 Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. President, last month marked the 80th 
birthday of Harold Burson, the founding chairman of one of the world's 
leading public relations firms, Burson-Marsteller. This milestone, 
celebrated with good health and good humor by Mr. Burson along with his 
family and many friends, is especially noteworthy to the people of 
Tennessee because he is one of our most distinguished native sons. 
Harold Burson was born in Memphis on February 15, 1921. Despite a 
lifetime of accomplishment and honors on a global scale, he has never 
forgotten his Tennessee roots. Likewise, Mr. Burson's lifetime of 
professional achievement has earned him the deep respect of his fellow 
Tennesseans.
  I ask that a series of letters written in tribute to Mr. Burson on 
the occasion of his 80th birthday be printed in the Record.
  These letters from President Bush and others demonstrate that Harold 
Burson's contributions have meaning not just to folks in Tennessee, but 
to all Americans.
  Thanks to the legacy of Harold Burson, public relations is a more 
respected and honored profession. Those of us who have the privilege of 
holding public office know that public opinion is at the heart of our 
democratic process. Harold Burson has helped create a profession that 
has brought credibility and integrity to the practice of influencing 
public opinion. People who have worked with Mr. Burson and have had him 
as a mentor are leading the public relations industry today and will do 
so in the future. Thanks to Mr. Burson's good health and robust spirit 
at the age of 80, his legacy is still being written.
  When the last century was coming to a close, PRWeek, an industry 
publication, named Harold Burson the most influential figure in public 
relations in the twentieth century. The publication cited Mr. Burson's 
career as a counselor, advisor and mentor, and described him as ``the 
most complete PR professional in history.''

[[Page 5170]]

  I know other Americans join me in wishing Harold Burson many more 
years of health, happiness and fulfillment.
  The letters follow.


                                                  U.S. Senate,

                                    Washington, DC, March 9, 2001.
     Mr. Harold Burson,
     Founding Chairman, Burson-Marsteller,
     New York, NY.
       Dear Mr. Burson: It is a privilege for me to join your 
     friends and relatives in saluting you on your eightieth 
     birthday.
       For half a century, you have been a pioneer in the public 
     relations profession. The respected firm you founded has set 
     a high standard as a result of your close attention to 
     integrating integrity and credibility. Your lifetime of good 
     works and professional achievement has earned you the respect 
     of your native state of Tennessee.
       Please accept my personal best wishes and warmest regards.
           Sincerely,
                                                    Fred Thompson,
     U.S. Senator.
                                  ____



                                              The White House,

                                       Washington, March 19, 2001.
     Mr. Harold Burson,
     Founding Chairman, Burson-Marsteller,
     New York, NY.
       Dear Mr. Burson: Congratulations as you celebrate your 80th 
     birthday surrounded by family and friends.
       This special occasion is an excellent opportunity for all 
     who know you to salute your many contributions to the field 
     of public relations and to public service. I hope the future 
     brings you good health and continued success. Laura joins me 
     in sending best wishes.
           Sincerely,
     George W. Bush.
                                  ____

                                                 City of New York,


                                          Office of the Mayor,

                                     New York, NY, March 21, 2001.
       Dear Mr. Burson: My best wishes to you on the wonderful 
     occasion of your 80th birthday.
       May this be a truly joyous and special day as family and 
     friends gather to celebrate this moment with you. I also wish 
     to take this opportunity to commend you for your countless 
     contributions to the public relations industry and the New 
     York City community as well. You are a true pioneer in your 
     field.
       Congratulations. On behalf of the residents of New York 
     City, I wish you continued health and happiness.
           Sincerely,
                                              Rudolph W. Giuliani,
     Mayor.

                          ____________________