[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 137 (Thursday, October 17, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S10645]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RETIREMENT OF SENATOR JESSE HELMS

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to my 
longtime colleague from my neighboring State of North Carolina, Senator 
Jesse Helms.
  It has been my honor and great privilege to have worked so closely 
with this fine Senator for the past thirty years. Senator Helms has 
been one of the great Senate leaders of the 20th century. After serving 
in the United States Navy during World War II, Senator Helms went on to 
have an illustrious career in journalism. He began his reporting career 
as the city editor of The Raleigh News and later served as the editor 
of the Tarheel Banker, which became the largest State banking 
publication in our Nation. During his many years of reporting and as a 
top Executive at Capitol Broadcasting Company, his editorials appeared 
in more than 200 newspapers and more than 70 radio stations in North 
Carolina. During these years, he also served on the Raleigh City 
Council.
  In 1972, Jesse ran for the Senate. It was my privilege to campaign 
throughout the State with him, forging a friendship which I treasure. 
Since his election, Senator Helms has served our Nation with nothing 
but class, integrity, and honesty. During his five terms in the United 
States Senate, his service has been marked by countless significant 
achievements for our great Nation. Admired and respected by both 
parties, he truly embodies the qualities of a superior statesman. 
Senator Helms is to be applauded for his work on the Committee of 
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, the Rules and Administration 
Committee, and for his work as Chairman and now ranking Minority member 
of the Committee on Foreign Relations.
  His numerous awards reflect the many and varied contributions he has 
made to the Senate and to his State. He was the first Republican to 
receive the Golden Gavel for presiding over the Senate more than 117 
hours in 1973. Along with others, he holds the Gold Medal of Merit from 
the Veterans of Foreign Wars and on three occasions was named the Most 
Admired Conservative in Congress by Readers Digest. I would also like 
to note Senator Helms has received the Guardian of Small Business Award 
and the Watchdog of the Treasury Award every year since his 1973 
election.
  Jesse certainly represents the qualities of a true southern 
gentleman. He is a loving husband, father, and grandfather, a devout 
Baptist, and an individual who would stop at nothing to help his fellow 
North Carolinians. His wife, Dot, is a lady of grace and charm. They 
are an admirable couple and a wonderful example for others to follow.
  For thirty years, the tireless Senator Helms has carried out his 
duties as United States Senator with the utmost sense of honor. His 
dedicated service to our Nation has set an example for all to follow, 
and I have been privileged to have served with such an esteemed 
individual. It is because of leaders like Senator Helms that our Nation 
is the greatest in the world. As the 107th Congress pays tribute and 
says farewell to one of the greatest Senators of all time, I say thank 
you to my colleague and my close friend.
  Again, I congratulate Jesse on his lengthy and distinguished career 
and thank him for the friendship we have enjoyed during our many years 
working together. On behalf of myself, my colleagues, and a most 
grateful Nation, I express my gratitude for his outstanding service to 
the United States Senate. I wish him, his lovely wife Dot, three 
children, Jane, Nancy, and Charles, and his seven grandchildren the 
best of luck and continued health and happiness in the years to come.

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