[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 27 (Friday, February 10, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2491-S2492]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       SENATOR WILLIAM FULBRIGHT

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, the British poet John Donne said that 
``every person's death diminishes us.'' That is certainly true, and it 
is especially true today, for yesterday America and, indeed, the world 
said goodbye to a man whose death diminishes us all, Senator William 
Fulbright.
  He served in the Senate for 30 years. He served with distinction. 
Some in this Chamber had the privilege of working with him. But whether 
or not we knew Senator Fulbright personally, we were all touched by 
him. Our Nation and our world are better for him having passed through 
it.
  Senator Fulbright understood that the most powerful deterrent to war 
is not bombs, not some mysterious shield we might try in vain to erect, 
but simply understanding.
  The cornerstone of his legacy, the Fulbright scholars program, has 
created more than 200,000 ambassadors for peace and for progress 
throughout the world. These are bright young men and women who have 
traveled from America to study in 130 nations as well as men and women 
from around the globe who have come here to our Nation to learn. Our 
world is safer for the work of these Fulbright scholars and for the 
vision of the man who made their studies possible.
  He was a son of Arkansas, but his influence was felt throughout the 
world, and it will be, I suspect, for generations to come.
  Today, as we remember Senator Fulbright, it is easy to feel 
diminished by his passing. But let us also remember how enlarged we are 
by his life. As we struggle to find America's place in the post-cold 
war world, let us remember the lesson Senator Fulbright taught us about 
the formidable power of understanding. Let us also remember that 
America has a responsibility to be not only a military leader in this 
world, but a moral leader as well. And we must never shrink from either 
role.
  William Fulbright, the ``Chairman,'' as he was fondly known, was a 
diplomat, an idealist with a strong heart, an uncommon vision, a dogged 
fighter for what he believed was right. He was unafraid to stand 
against public opinion when his conscience told him he must.
  [[Page S2492]] To the Senator's family, his wife Harriet, his 
daughters, his grandchildren, and to his great grandchildren, and 
certainly to all of his many, many friends, we offer our sympathy and 
our prayers. William Fulbright truly was a gentleman, a scholar, a 
statesman, a national leader who made a positive and indelible mark on 
this country. We will never forget him.


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