[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 32 (Thursday, March 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E474]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 THE ROBERT C. BYRD STATUE UNVEILING IN THE WEST VIRGINIA STATE CAPITOL

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                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 13, 1997

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in praise once again for U.S. 
Senator Robert C. Byrd, a man of grace, a man of conscience and 
compassion, and indeed a great West Virginian. On January 11, 1997, it 
was my high honor to have been present at the unveiling of the Robert 
C. Byrd statue in the West Virginia State Capitol in Charleston, WV, 
and to hear Senator Byrd's eloquent remarks regarding his ``long 
journey through life encompassing 79 years'' that brought him this far, 
and ``about all those he met along the way'' who helped him achieve the 
pinnacle of recognition in the form of a life-size bronze statue of 
himself being unveiled that day.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Senator Robert C. Byrd's 
own personal remarks be reprinted in the Congressional Record as he 
acknowledged and thanked all those who made this historic day possible.

 Remarks by U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd--On the Occasion of the Robert 
                        C. Byrd Statue Unveiling

       During the course of my life, I have often been referred to 
     as a ``self-made'' man. But, while one's ego might like to 
     lay claim to such an august achievement, no mere mortal can, 
     in reality, claim to be ``self-made.'' Every person owes any 
     success he or she might have in this life to hundreds of 
     other persons. Tennyson said, ``I am a part of all that I 
     have met, . . .'' Always profound, Tennyson may have been at 
     his most profound with that line.
       When I reflect upon my own 79 years, I am at once struck by 
     the enormous debt which I owe to others: poor, but loving 
     foster parents who taught me how to live and how to die; 
     teachers who took the time to encourage a country lad who 
     liked to memorize; friends who unselfishly gave guidance and 
     counsel; adversaries who helped me to toughen and to 
     preserve; my wife and family who sacrificed and, still and 
     all, stood by me; colleagues who taught me what they had 
     learned in the legislative areas; staff members who worked 
     over the years to help me meet my goals for West Virginia; 
     and the people of this magnificent state who have, time and 
     time again, believed in me, trusted me, and honored me far 
     beyond my wildest imaginings.
       And now, I have come to this place in my road. But, I have 
     not traveled alone. I have journeyed with all of you. I have 
     never felt more keenly my deep ties to you, to this state and 
     to all of those who have influenced my life. Blessings have 
     been heaped upon me. And I stand before you humbled by this 
     day and by the enormity of this occasion. Perhaps no one 
     before me has ever known the unbelievable awe of gazing at 
     their own form cast in bronze and standing ten feet high in 
     one of the most beautiful state capitol buildings in the 
     nation. What an experience! The boy who bugged the beans has 
     certainly come a long mile. If my old mom were alive today, 
     she would be surprised and proud, but she would also be quick 
     to remind me not to be ``gettin' above my raisin','' just 
     like she always did. How I wish that she and my old pap could 
     see this. But, then, I think they probably can.
       I thank all of you who have worked to make this day a 
     reality. Your generosity and gracious kindness are simply 
     overwhelming.I thank Gaston Caperton, the best Governor West 
     Virginia has ever had, for his cooperation and hard work. I 
     thank Ann Brotherton and Judge Brotherton and Mike Perry for 
     all they have done to make this day a reality. Your 
     generosity and gracious kindness are simply overwhelming. I 
     also thank each of you for the part you have played in my 
     life--for what each of you has taught me and for your 
     contribution to my work and to my personal enjoyment of my 
     time on this planet.
       Long after I am gone from this life, there will be left for 
     future generations whatever good which may evolve from my 
     work, and this remarkable statue. Cato the elder once 
     observed that he would rather people ask why he had no statue 
     than inquire why he had one. But, my hope for the totality of 
     my work is well known--a better life and more opportunity for 
     all West Virginians. My hope for this sculpture is that it 
     will stand as an inspiration, especially to young West 
     Virginians. I hope that it someday may serve as a beacon for 
     anyone who may aspire to achievement. For, in this miracle of 
     a country, anything is possible. And dreams do come true, 
     even for a poor lad from West Virginia who gathers scraps to 
     feed the hogs on a rough hillside farm.
       Thank you and may God bless and keep each of you always 
     safe from harm.

     The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
     But I have promises to keep,
     And miles to go before I sleep.
     And miles to go before I sleep.

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