Chris Coons: “2020 has been a difficult year for so many. We have lost far too many mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, sisters…”

“2020 has been a difficult year for so many. We have lost far too many mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, sisters and brothers, neighbors and friends. My own heart and the hearts of many in Delaware grew heavier this week as we said goodbye in Delaware to a whole series of friends, folks who had long been champions of our community, folks who were exactly the sort of people who helped build and sustain community. I am grateful for the privilege of the floor to speak for a few minutes about the legacy of these lions of Delaware, these folks who were giants of service and who gave their hearts to us. On Monday, we said goodbye to Elaine and Wayne Manlove, who were loved by so many, and I rise first to pay tribute to them--some of the most special people I have ever known. They were killed in a tragic accident literally the day before last Tuesday's election. On that day, we lost two of Delaware's greatest diamonds, Mary ``Elaine'' Manlove and Lambert ``Wayne'' Manlove from Hockessin and Ocean View. It was always striking they went not by their first names but by their middle names. They were known as Elaine and Wayne Manlove. These are proud patriots, people dedicated to our State and community who spent decades giving to others. Elaine I knew best in her role as State elections commissioner and as someone who fought hard here for funding for election security and election systems.…”