[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Pages 17747-17748]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 STROM THURMOND: POLITICIAN AND PATRIOT

  Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to our colleague and 
a friend, Strom Thurmond. We were all deeply moved by the recent 
passing of this gracious gentleman, and I would like to take a few 
minutes to reflect on his rich life and to honor his memory.
  Strom Thurmond had a long and distinguished career. Over recent weeks 
we have heard many descriptions of the achievements of this remarkable 
man. But Senator Thurmond was distinguished for much more than the 
length of his Senate service or the number of ``firsts'' he achieved 
during his life. Rather, Senator Thurmond is distinguished by his love 
for America. For although Strom Thurmond was perhaps best known as a 
politician, he was first and foremost a patriot. His military service, 
his time as a governor, and his tenure in the U.S. Senate were all 
fueled by his deep and abiding love for America.
  Just as deep as his love for America was his love for South Carolina 
and its residents. Senator Thurmond and his staff were well known for 
their accessability and outstanding constituent service. He believed in 
hard work and service, and never shied away from his convictions.
  That same accessability and attitude of service carried over to his 
interaction with fellow members as well. I was honored to serve with 
Senator Thurmond on the Armed Services Committee, and I still remember 
the helpful guidance he gave me as a new member on the committee. His 
passion for our military members and his concern for their well-being 
was evident, and I hope that I can emulate that same care.
  I also remember how generous Senator Thurmond was with his personal 
time. Obviously as a senior Member of the Senate and the Senate 
President pro tempore he had a number of responsibilities. However, he 
still made time to serve this member. Several years ago I was honored 
when he graciously agreed to speak at the Capitol Conference I hold for 
Colorado constituents each year. To this day I am deeply appreciative 
of the time that he spent making remarks, fielding questions, and 
taking photos with my constituents. Many of the participants later 
remarked on his wit and vitality, remarkable for any member, but 
especially for one of his years. Even in their short time with him they 
were able to see the courtesy and conviction that we witnessed each 
day.
  I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to get to know Strom 
Thurmond as the person behind the military hero and political legend. 
To see the small ways in which he expressed his interest in and 
appreciation for those around him, such as taking the Senate pages for 
ice cream. He also expressed personal concern about the health and well 
being of his staff and Members, which was perhaps necessitated in some 
part by the candy he was always handing out. I only hope that we can 
all learn from and retain some part of his charm, confidence, depth of 
conviction, and commitment.
  Although Strom Thurmond may no longer be here with us physically, his 
legacy will live on. The United States Senate and America are better 
for his strength, service, and self-sacrifice.
  Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere 
condolences to Senator Thurmond's family and friends. He was a proud 
father, and recently, grandfather. His love for his family was well 
known, and our thoughts and prayers are with them. My wife Joan and I 
hope that they are able to find comfort and peace during these 
difficult days.
  I am proud to have called Strom Thurmond my colleague and friend, and 
today I join the rest of America in honoring this great service and 
mourning his passing.
  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I rise today as we remember the 
Honorable Senator from South Carolina, Strom Thurmond. The 
accomplishments of this man in his 100 years of life were truly 
amazing. All that he did for his State and our Nation make all 
Americans proud. He was a vigorous, positive person who unrelentingly 
worked for a better America.
  Senator Thurmond was born on December 5, 1902 in Edgefield, SC. He 
received his undergraduate degree from then Clemson College, now 
Clemson University, in 1923. He studied law under his father, Judge 
William Thurmond and, in 1930, was admitted to the South Carolina Bar. 
For 8 years, from 1930 to 1938, he served as the Edgefield Town and 
County attorney, and during that time, from 1933 to 1938, he served as 
South Carolina State Senator, representing Edgefield County.
  A true patriot, Senator Thurmond joined the U.S. Army Reserve as a 
2nd lieutenant in 1924. He landed in Normandy on D-Day with the 82nd 
Airborne Division during World War II. For his military service, he 
earned 18 decorations, medals, and awards, including the Legion of 
Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star for Valor, and the Purple 
Heart, among others.
  His political ambitions flourished when, in 1947, Senator Thurmond 
was elected Governor of South Carolina. In 1948, he decided to run for 
President of the United States as the States Rights Democratic 
candidate. He carried 4 States and received 39 electoral votes, the 
third largest independent electoral vote in U.S. history. However, the 
most memorable moment for Senator Thurmond came in 1954, when he was 
elected to the United States Senate as a write-in candidate! To be 
elected to any position as a write-in candidate, much less to the 
United States Senate, is a true testament to one's political prowess. 
He was the first person to ever be elected to a major office in the 
United States by this method.
  Senator Thurmond served on many committees during his service to 
America in the Senate. The duty and patriotism he displayed is a fine 
indication of all that he devoted to our Nation's military. It is quite 
fitting that Senator Thurmond served on the Senate Armed Services 
Committee and

[[Page 17748]]

used his role to help enhance our military in every way possible. He 
served as chairman of this committee from January of 1995 to January of 
1999 and was bestowed the great honor of being named chairman emeritus 
in 1999. The time I spent with Senator Thurmond on this committee was a 
wonderful learning experience for me and the Senate Armed Services 
Committee will miss Senator Thurmond. His military service provided him 
with an excellent background to understand the intricacies of our 
military and, without question, helped in his decision making ability 
for the betterment of America.
  Additionally, I had the pleasure of serving with Senator Thurmond on 
the Judiciary Committee, where he was a member from 1967 until his 
retirement. He served as chairman of this committee from 1981 to 1987 
and served as chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Constitution, 
Federalism, and Property Rights from January to June of 2001. With a 
background as a judge and lawyer, Senator Thurmond cherished his role 
on this committee and always sought to ensure fairness on many issues, 
including that of appointing qualified judges to our Federal benches. I 
particularly remember his strong support for me when I was an 
unsuccessful judicial nominee in 1986. Senator Thurmond was a 
supporter, friend, and advisor.
  To list the numerous honors and awards Senator Thurmond received 
would take hours. However, I would like to point out some of the 
accolades I find truly incredible. In addition to his undergraduate 
degree from Clemson College, he also holds 34 honorary degrees. In 
1994, he was inducted into the U.S. Army Rangers Hall of Fame. In 1997, 
he was awarded the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public 
Service. In 1998, he was awarded the Spirit of Hope award, named after 
Bob Hope, by the United Service Organizations. Last year, he was 
awarded the Washington Times Foundation American Century Award.
  His life covered a time of monumental change in the South. His 
movement from a champion of racial segregation to one who promoted 
equal rights reflected the change that occurred throughout the region. 
His personal actions helped lead others to reject the impermissible 
policies of the past.
  One of the great memories I have of spending time with Senator 
Thurmond is the time he asked me to accompany him on a trip to China in 
1997, as I began my term as Senator. On this trip, we had some time to 
climb the Great Wall of China. As is custom, an assistant is typically 
assigned to older individuals as they make their journey along the 
wall. Senator Thurmond declined any help and, at the time, was the 
oldest person to ever climb the wall unassisted. The Senator's ability 
to put things in perspective is illustrated by the fact that when, upon 
reaching the top of the wall, stated ``This is a big wall. Let's go.''
  As the leader of our delegation and President pro tempore of the 
Senate at age 97, he handled every occasion superbly. He was 
particularly elegant when we met with Chinese Premier Jiang Zemin. I 
remember he concluded his remarks with the words ``China and the United 
States are friends. We want to be better friends.''
  It is almost impossible to travel anywhere in South Carolina and not 
find Senator Strom Thurmond's name on a street, building, lake, 
highway, or monument. All that he did for South Carolina and for our 
Nation is a true testament to the caliber of man that he was. The lives 
he touched and the people he has positively affected are numerous. I 
know that his service to our Nation is sorely missed. You simply cannot 
put a value on the role he played as a true public servant. Senator 
Thurmond will be missed by many, many individuals in Congress, in South 
Carolina, and in America. A true southerner, a true American, and a 
true patriot, Senator Strom Thurmond will forever be remembered as a 
man whose beliefs, ideals, and character remained unparalleled for an 
entire century.

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