Bob Kerrey: “I rise today to honor Dr. Ernest M. Burgess, a man who has dedicated his life to cleansing sickness from the lives of…”

“I rise today to honor Dr. Ernest M. Burgess, a man who has dedicated his life to cleansing sickness from the lives of countless people. When my grandchildren study the events that shaped the development of the twentieth century, the American Century as some call it, they will be learning of the life of Dr. Burgess. I often speak of the admirable sacrifices and tremendous foresight of this generation of Americans: a generation who, more than any before it, left an indelible imprint on the course of human history. Dr. Burgess, like thousands of his contemporaries, was an ordinary citizen who lived an extraordinary life of service and accomplishment. Born eleven years into the new century, Ernie was raised in the character of the rural American West. Influenced by a remarkable aunt who practiced medicine at a time when most women couldn't vote, he became attracted to serving and caring for the sick. Upon completion of his medical degree and residency at Columbia and Cornell Universities, Dr. Burgess served his country in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. Mr. President, one of the bitterest effects of war visits those who suffer debilitating wounds and then live a life forever altered. As an orthopedic surgeon involved in ground breaking advancements in prosthetic surgery, Dr. Burgess has allowed thousands of amputees the opportunity to return to activities unimaginable at the time of the injury.”