[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 76 (Thursday, June 5, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1142]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO SENATOR STROM THURMOND

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. FLOYD SPENCE

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 5, 1997

  Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, on May 25, Senator Strom Thurmond became the 
longest serving U.S. Senator in the history of our Nation. It is a 
pleasure for me to join those who are honoring him on his distinguished 
career.
  Senator Thurmond is a truly amazing person. He has served the people 
of South Carolina as a teacher, athletic coach, county superintendent 
of education, city attorney, county attorney, State senator, State 
circuit judge, Governor, and U.S. Senator. He has also been a candidate 
for President of the United States, carrying four States and receiving 
39 electoral votes, and he is the first person in the history of our 
country to be elected to a Federal office as a write-in candidate, in 
his election to the U.S. Senate in 1954. He volunteered for active duty 
in World War II on the day that war was declared by the United States 
against Germany, serving with distinction in the American, European, 
and Pacific Theaters, and he participated in the ``D-Day'' invasion in 
Normandy. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserve for 36 years, 
retiring as a Major General.
  Throughout his outstanding career, Senator Thurmond has tirelessly 
dedicated himself to helping others. So many people have benefited from 
his efforts on their behalf. Also, Senator Thurmond has an 
extraordinary legislative record. During his service in the Senate, he 
has crafted volumes of key legislation and he has led the debate to 
keep our country strong and free.
  Senator Thurmond is a true patriot, a valiant Army officer, a 
statesman of the highest order, and a true friend to all who know him. 
Our Nation has been blessed with his leadership and stewardship. 
Senator Strom Thurmond is a great American hero. He is wished much 
continued success.

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