[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 84 (Thursday, June 17, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S6985]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO THE SENATE AND HOUSE

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I would like to take a moment to thank all 
of the dedicated Members of the Senate family who poured their hearts 
into making President Reagan's final journey to the Nation's Capitol a 
dignified and fitting tribute.
  Lawmakers and dignitaries from all corners of the globe, Supreme 
Court justices, Federal officials and hundreds of thousands of citizens 
made their way to the Rotunda last week to pay their final respects to 
our 40th President.
  It was a solemn and stately event. Each moment radiated a sense of 
history. I would like to thank some of the Senate individuals whose 
hard work made last week possible: 1. Sergeant at Arms Bill Pickle; his 
deputy, Keith Kennedy; protocol officer, Becky Daugherty; Capitol 
information officer, Laura Parker; and the Sergeant at Arms staff; 2. 
Alan Hantman, the architect of the Capitol, and the Capitol 
Superintendent, Carlos Elias; 3. Terry Gainer and the Capitol Police 
who, under extraordinary pressure, maintained security with discretion 
and consideration; 4. Emily Reynolds the Secretary of the Senate; her 
deputy, Mary Suit Jones; and their hard working staff; 5. The Senate 
Chaplain Pastor Barry C. Black whose sonorous and reflective tributes 
captured the public's love for President Reagan; 6. All of the 
volunteers who handed out bereavement cards to the public, manned the 
condolence booths, and handed out water to the thousands of visitors 
waiting patiently to see the President; and 7. The Capitol Guide 
service which worked round the clock.
  My sincere thanks also go to Chairman Lott and Senator Dodd. Their 
steady leadership over the proceedings was crucial.
  Likewise, the President of the Senate and the President Pro Tempore 
presided over the Senate on this momentous occasion with dignity and 
distinction.
  I also wish to extend my thanks to my colleagues in the House of 
Representatives. Throughout, both chambers worked closely and patiently 
to carry out a tribute that I think all would agree properly reflected 
and celebrated President Reagan's extraordinary legacy.
  I specifically thank: 1. The Speaker and his dedicated staff; 2. The 
House Sergeant at Arms and doorkeeper, Bill Livingood; 3. The House 
chief administrative officer, Jay Eagen; 4. The Clerk of the House, 
Jeff Trandahl; and 5. The House Chaplain, Reverend Daniel P. Coughlin. 
His stirring remarks are now a part of America's history.
  Finally, to the Reagan family: Through a bleak and solemn week-long 
procession, their love and respect for Ronald Reagan was a beacon to us 
all. The Reagan family showed an uncommon dignity and grace that raised 
us up and touched our hearts.
  We will never forget their love. And we will never forget how Ronnie 
loved his Nancy, and how hard it was for her, even at the very last, to 
let him go.
  Thank you to the Reagan family. And thank you to the man who led us 
so well and loved his country so deeply--Ronald Wilson Reagan, 40th 
President of the United States.

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