[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 14 (Tuesday, February 1, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S409]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO HALL WILLIAMS THOMPSON

 Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, Tom Brokaw, in his book ``The 
Greatest Generation,'' describes the generation that survived the Great 
Depression and World War II. He notes that their sacrifices made 
possible the many comforts and conveniences we enjoy today. On October 
27, 2010, America and Alabama lost one of the best examples of that 
generation with the death of Hall Williams Thompson of Birmingham, AL.
  That Hall Thompson was a very successful family man, businessman, 
civic leader, and philanthropist, there can be no doubt, and much could 
be said about a host of areas where he served, giving back to his State 
and his Nation. But I want to share a few remarks about one of his most 
notable qualities--his patriotism. Hall Thompson loved his country. He 
had fought for it, serving in the Pacific during World War II in the 
Army Air Corps. And that commitment to serving his country never 
abated.
  Indeed, while he had strong views about our country and the 
exceptional nature of the American experience and was never afraid to 
express them, he was ever anxious to respect those who may disagree. He 
would, with sincerity, ask questions about the subject which concerned 
him and at the end of the conversation would say something like, 
``Well, I just think . . .'' or, ``I am just concerned.'' He made his 
point clearly but courteously.
  On a personal note, I called Hall and asked him to support a 
political event. Quickly, he assured me he could come and asked if 
Lucy, his wonderful wife and partner of 66 years, could attend. The 
answer, of course, was yes, as everyone loves Lucy. But in asking that 
question, Hall showed his humility and courtesy.
  So, we gathered on October 19, and I took the opportunity during the 
event to personally thank Hall for his support for me in 1994 when I 
ran for attorney general of Alabama and for his support of many great 
causes. He did not know me well in 1994 but had heard good things about 
me, and he was very generous in his support. I thanked him for that and 
noted that he had never asked for a single thing personally, only for 
good government. The fact that there are others in our country like 
Hall who support their candidates, Republicans and Democrats, liberal 
and conservative, because of values and principles and not for personal 
gain, is important to our country's political health. They should be 
appreciated. They make the country a better place.
  Later during that same meeting, Hall Thompson suffered the stroke 
that would sadly take his life 9 days later. He had lived a full life 
of 87 years. He left an accomplished and loving family and a host of 
friends and admirers. He loved America, closely monitored her progress, 
and was ready to help whenever possible.
  He was a true patriot. Our State and Nation will miss him.

                          ____________________