[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 78 (Friday, May 23, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S7128]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       SENATOR AND MRS. ROBERT C. BYRD'S SIXTY-SIXTH ANNIVERSARY

  Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, today I would like to congratulate 
Senator and Mrs. Robert C. Byrd on their 66th anniversary, which they 
will celebrate on May 29. What a wonderful occasion this is--a truly 
joyous celebration.
  Senator and Mrs. Byrd's devotion to one another is truly powerful. In 
a world that is far from old-fashioned, they have shown that old-
fashioned dedication and commitment can go a long way. The Byrds have 
risen from humble beginnings, and proven to our State and country that 
honesty and devotion comes first. Senator Byrd said earlier this year 
on the Senate floor, ``There are only two duties that will exceed my 
duties in the Senate. One is my duty to God and the second is duty to 
my family. I think my duty is to my wife.'' Many of us heard this 
speech and were struck by that line. We know that with Erma's recent 
illness, Senator Byrd on occasion had to request an absence from the 
Senate to be by the side of his lifelong sweetheart. The devotion he 
has shown to Erma is plain, and these last few weeks have simply been 
an extension of 60-plus years of love between these two people. This 
couple is a real gift to the State of West Virginia. We are more than 
lucky to have them as leaders of our State.
  I have had the honor of serving in the Senate with Senator Byrd for 
the last 18 years, and in that time I have had the pleasure of getting 
to know Erma as well. Erma is a positively delightful woman. Senator 
and Mrs. Byrd's dedication to one another is genuine and should be 
inspiring to us all. They have been devoted to one another from an 
early age. In recalling his high school days when he got a candy from a 
classmate to give to his sweetheart Erma, Senator Byrd said, ``I never 
chewed the gum; I never ate the candy. But when the classes changed, I 
found Erma in the hall and gave her that candy and chewing gum. I never 
told her someone had given it to me, but that's the way you court a 
girl--with another boy's bubble gum.'' Erma and their family has been 
the top priority in the Senator's life from the start.
  When the valedictorian of Mark Train High School married his 
sweetheart, Erma Ora James, in May of 1937, no one knew that the coal 
miner's daughter and adopted young boy would together become one of the 
most influential couples in the history of West Virginia. Even though 
Senator Byrd could not afford to go to college, he persisted as a young 
West Virginian working for his family--pumping gas, working as a 
produce salesman, and serving his country as a shipbuilder and welder. 
Mrs. Byrd became the head of the family's finances, and the glue that 
held their household together as she remains today. Starting as a 
family of two, the couple worked together to succeed.
  While Senator Byrd was spending endless hours at the Capitol building 
serving his State and country, Mrs. Byrd raised their two lovely 
daughters, Mona and Marjorie. To this day, Mrs. Byrd continues to 
remain the stronghold in her family, proudly helping to raise their six 
grandchildren, and three great-granddaughters. Mrs. Byrd quietly stays 
out of the spotlight , and instead focuses on her responsibilities as a 
wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Senator Byrd once 
said, ``She [Erma] has been my anchor all of these years. I don't know 
what I would have amounted to if it wasn't for her steadfastness, her 
integrity, her strength,'' It is evident that the Senator and Mrs. Byrd 
have so much respect for one another, and enjoy their lives together 
every day. Senator and Mrs. Byrd have devoted their lives to better 
their family and fellow West Virginians. They have proven that working 
together as a team, husband and wife, can accomplish so much.
  It is positively refreshing to see such an amazing couple recognized 
for their leadership and because of their caring. They truly exemplify 
a loving and happy marriage. The Byrds are both leaders, grandparents, 
and great-grandparents, and compassionate and honorable West 
Virginians. Senator and Mrs. Byrd have set a great standard. Please 
join me in congratulating this wonderful couple on their 66th year 
together.

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