[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 18]
[Senate]
[Page 26261]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO SENATOR STROM THURMOND

  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, on behalf of an admiring Senate, I extend 
happy birthday and best wishes to our great Senator, the favorite son 
of South Carolina, Strom Thurmond. What a career he has had and what an 
example he sets for all of us: A soldier, a patriot, a teacher, a 
political leader, a man of good will, and a gentle man. We appreciate 
his presence every day and hope he has a very happy day today and many 
more to come.
  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I thank the majority leader for his kind 
remarks. He has done a great job. I don't know of anyone who has done 
better. We are proud of him. I want him to know it. We are proud of the 
Senate and all it has accomplished, and we expect to do even more as 
the days go by.
  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I thank Senator Thurmond, and I yield to 
Senator Reid.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I also express happy birthday wishes to 
Senator Thurmond. He is a wonderful example for all of us.
  Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, I rise today to offer my congratulations 
to Senator Thurmond on his 98th birthday. Few people are lucky enough 
to reach this milestone in their lives, but fewer still, if any, can 
claim a life as rich and colorful as Strom Thurmond's. He is what the 
lawyers call ``sui generis''--one of a kind, unique. Last year, a 
monument to Senator Thurmond was dedicated on the grounds of the South 
Carolina Statehouse. It was a deserving tribute, but hardly necessary 
to mark his many contributions to our State and Nation. He is, after 
all, a living political icon. Generations of South Carolinians refer to 
him affectionately as ``Strom'' and his birthday is a celebration of 
service to our State. I know the people of South Carolina join me and 
Peatsy in sending Senator Thurmond our best wishes for a wonderful day.

                          ____________________