CELEBRATING VETERAN ROBERT JAMES HAGARTY'S 90TH BIRTHDAY

CELEBRATING VETERAN ROBERT JAMES HAGARTY'S 90TH BIRTHDAY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 41 (Wednesday, March 4, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 41 (Wednesday, March 4, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E185] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING VETERAN ROBERT JAMES HAGARTY'S 90TH BIRTHDAY ______ HON. KATHY CASTOR of florida in the house of representatives Wednesday, March 4, 2026 Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Veteran Robert James Hagarty's 90th birthday and for his service to our country and the Tampa Bay community. Robert Hagarty was born on February 28, 1936, in New Jersey, and spent his life rooted in the values of a veteran upbringing. Hagarty dedicated his life to building one of the largest private collections of war memorabilia in the world. His father, a World War I veteran, instilled in him a passion for service and patriotism. Hagarty recounted that, at age 10, his father gave him two decorative buttons from his uniform, and he traces his passion to that moment. ``Those were like gold, to me, since they were from the war; instantly, I wanted more.'' In 1966, Hagarty served in the 25th Infantry as a Vietnam Veteran, before being honorably discharged after four years in the Army. Later, Hagarty moved to St. Petersburg and not only found his hometown but also a reason to unite the community through his collection of war medals. Hagarty's work is rooted in every part of the community, ranging from being a schoolteacher, historian and Army veteran. His pride in highlighting the heroism of soldiers, their families, and veterans is evident in his endless collection and preservation of war history. Today, Hagarty continues to forge connections to the patriotic past like the buttons sewn onto his father's uniform. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the St. Petersburg community, it gives me great pride to honor and send many wishes to Robert Hagarty on his 90th birthday. Hagarty is a living testament to what you can do for your country and your neighbors. Through his leadership, perseverance, and commitment to honoring Veterans' heroism, Hagarty remains a shining example in the Tampa Bay area. ____________________