[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 20]
[HOU]
[Page 27071]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



   EXPRESSING GRATITUDE FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE AS A MEMBER OF 
                                CONGRESS

  (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, very few experiences live 
vividly in one's heart for all the days of your life. For me, this is 
such a moment.
  First, let me say how deeply and profoundly grateful and appreciative 
I am to every citizen of South Carolina. Because of the election that 
took place yesterday, a rite of passage borne out and preserved by 
time-honored tradition, my job is to represent every voter in my 
district, regardless of age, gender, creed, color or party affiliation 
to the best of my ability. Today, I pledge to do that, so help me God.
  In taking this oath of office, I am not alone. The path which led me 
to this moment was well traveled by so many people to whom I owe debts 
of gratitude. These are debts that can never be repaid. First among 
those is my wife, Roxanne, and our family. Their love and strength are 
the greatest assets of my life. So many other people have given time, 
support, hard work, advice and prayers. I cannot possibly thank each by 
name; but without them, this moment would not have been possible.
  Still, there is one name which should not be veiled in silence, one 
person who for 31 years was my mentor and friend. That name is former 
United States Congressman Floyd Spence. It was Congressman Spence who 
first inspired me to run for public office. It was Congressman Spence 
who taught me that the first duty of government is to defend freedom. 
And it was Congressman Spence who taught us all that true public 
service does not spring from ambition. Real public service cannot be 
bought and sold, but must come from the deep regions of the heart and 
soul, as an expression of love to our country and all who make it one 
united Nation under God.
  Therefore, as I take this oath of office, I also make this pledge: I 
will do everything in my power to keep alive the legacy of service 
Congressman Spence exemplified. I pray that his spirit will always be 
with me.
  At this moment in the history of our Nation, we face very serious 
challenges at home and around the world. I look forward to working with 
my colleagues and our President to face these challenges. I know we 
individually and collectively will respond to those challenges with 
courage, with virtue, and with an unfailing spirit.
  Again to the people of South Carolina, thank you for the trust you 
have placed in me. I ask you to join me in that simple, majestic, one-
sentence prayer that binds our Nation and hearts together: may God 
bless America.




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