Henry Robinson sets example for civic service

In this era of sadly minuscule voter turnout, Henry Robinson of Port Royal stands tall.

Robinson took his civic duty far beyond going to the polls on Election Day. He served his hometown for 38 years as mayor and a member of Town Council. When he left the dais following last week's Town Council meeting, Robinson closed the book on thousands of hours of public service given for the betterment of the community.

What a great example that is for the next generation to follow. "Service above self," is how the Rotarians phrase this responsibility to society. Robinson's steady contribution illustrates the underpinning of a successful republic.

He was the first African American to serve as a council member and as mayor in the historic community, where he was born the second of 14 children to William and Elizabeth Robinson.

He was 32 years old, with a wife and young children at home, when he began his voluntary public service. It was early in his 50-year career as a tailor with the John Demosthenes Co. on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.

Yet he served. And he has served in other capacities over the years, perhaps most notably as a writer of thought-provoking op-ed pieces. He vows, at age 75, to keep serving his charitable causes and maybe even serve on town boards.

Perhaps his greatest compliment came from Port Royal Mayor Sam Murray who said:

"I think he has been instrumental in bringing the town together, bringing all sections of town together and working as one, instead of having one side against another."

We thank Robinson for seeing civic service as a personal responsibility. In this era, America needs more like him.

This story was originally published November 18, 2011 at 12:01 AM with the headline "Henry Robinson sets example for civic service."