[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 70 (Wednesday, June 8, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[Congressional Record: June 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
NIXON EULOGY
Mr. COVERDELL. Mr. President, I first met Richard Nixon as the
director of what was to become his last political parade in October
1972. The parade just happened to be in Atlanta. Yet, by the time of
that first meeting, Richard Nixon had already had a profound affect on
my life as an American citizen. While his Presidency will be debated
for years to come, any person sharing his time could not escape his
reach, from his international efforts in China, Vietnam, and the former
Soviet Union, to his national efforts of revenue sharing, rebuilding
our cities, and protecting our environment. His reach affected the day-
to-day lives of people everywhere like me.
After my election to the U.S. Senate, I joined the new Republican
Members, for a long lunch at the former President's home in New Jersey.
All those things we had heard about Richard Nixon were true--his grasp
of history, foreign policy, and command of language and facts were
truly awesome. Not acknowledged by much I had ever read, however, was
his warm, polite, and genuine interest in others.
His last appearance at our Capitol on the occasion of the 25th
anniversary of his first inaugural reinformed all of these thoughts for
me.
We were connected in yet another way. The former President reflected
my father's generation and humble beginnings. Richard Nixon believed as
does my father that hard work, and individual responsibility are good
and rewarding qualities. There's was a generation of optimists,
builders, and they certainly stood ready to put all on the line for
their country.
I believe history will treat Richard Nixon well and with much
interest.
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