[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 79 (Monday, June 9, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S5398]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO SENATOR STROM THURMOND

  Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, I rise today to join with many of my 
colleagues in saluting a great friend, patriot, and statesman--the 
senior Senator from South Carolina, Strom Thurmond. Listening to the 
debate recently, I realized that many were speaking of their personal 
experiences while serving with Senator Thurmond. I, however, would like 
to share with my colleagues the greatest story I know about Senator 
Thurmond--the true story of his life. To me it illustrates one key 
thing: that the hallmark of Strom Thurmond's life has been his 
dedication to serving others.
  Senator Thurmond was born in 1902 and raised in Edgefield, SC. 
Following his graduation in 1923 from Clemson University, young Strom 
Thurmond began his career, first as a teacher and coach, then, at the 
age of 21, as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve. Eventually, Senator 
Thurmond went on to become the county superintendent of education, city 
attorney, county attorney, State Senator and circuit judge of South 
Carolina. From 1942 to 1946, Senator Thurmond, along with millions of 
other brave young men, served in World War II. For his service in the 
American, European, and Pacific theaters, Senator Thurmond earned 5 
battle stars and 18 decorations and medals, including the Legion of 
Merit with oak leaf cluster, the Purple Heart, and the Bronze Star for 
valor. Upon his return to South Carolina, Strom Thurmond was elected to 
serve as Governor of South Carolina. During his tenure as Governor, 
Senator Thurmond was a candidate for President of the United States. 
Five years later, in 1954, Strom Thurmond was elected as a write-in 
candidate for U.S. Senator and has served with distinction in this body 
as chairman of two prestigious committees, as well as serving as the 
President pro tempore.
  The many personal sacrifices that Senator Thurmond has made over the 
past nine decades demonstrate his respect for our institution of 
government and our Nation's history. He knows all too well that when 
one fails to stand for his principles, those principles will perish. 
And Strom Thurmond, as a young paratrooper, as a Presidential 
candidate, and now, as a U.S. Senator, stands--sometimes all alone--for 
the greatest principles on which America was founded.
  Strom even had to switch parties--not once, but effectively, twice, 
to keep advancing his strongly held principles and ideals. In a sense, 
though Senator Thurmond has been a Dixiecrat, a Democrat and a 
Republican, he has always been, most of all, a proud American.
  Strom Thurmond has witnessed incredible growth and change in our 
Nation and our world, and his knowledge of our past and vision for our 
future is crucial to our present. The Senator's strong leadership, 
patriotism, dependability, and devotion to duty is inspiring--and his 
stamina is legendary. The people of South Carolina are fortunate to 
have such an able gentleman represent them; we here in the U.S. Senate 
are lucky to stand with him; and all Americans should be grateful for 
Senator Thurmond's 41 years of service in the Senate and proud of his 
94 years of service to this country.




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