Tony Thurmond: “I rise to say a few words regarding the death of Senator Paul Coverdell. Winding its way to the sea, the Savannah River…”

“I rise to say a few words regarding the death of Senator Paul Coverdell. Winding its way to the sea, the Savannah River forms a natural boundary between South Carolina and the State of Georgia. Yet the river is not a barrier dividing these two states. Rather, its lakes, tributaries, and bridges bring the people of these two states together as neighbors and friends. As neighbors, we share many fine attributes of southern living and culture, agriculture, and the values that Americans hold dear. As friends, we work and play together, raising our families and supporting our communities. Today, I rise to pay tribute and respect to my neighbor and friend from Georgia, Senator Paul Coverdell. Senator Coverdell was my neighbor. He was more than just a colleague from a neighboring state. For the past eight years we have walked together and worked in the same corridor of the Russell Senate Office Building. Senator Coverdell was also my friend. Everyday, each of us looked forward to his warm smile, kind words, and expressions of care and concern. As I worked with him on regional issues, in the Senate Republican Leadership circle, where he served as Republican Conference Secretary, or in more general circumstances, Senator Coverdell always was thoughtful and considerate of others. Senator Coverdell leaves a great legacy. His life was dedicated to serving others and his Nation.”