Cord Byrd: “over the next few days, as the Senate concludes its legislative business, one of the finest individuals it has been my…”

“over the next few days, as the Senate concludes its legislative business, one of the finest individuals it has been my privilege to know will bring to a close yet another chapter in what has been, by any measure, an extraordinary public service career. When that time comes--when the senior Senator from the Commonwealth of Kentucky walks out of this chamber for the last time as a United States Senator--this institution, and all who serve in it, will feel a great and lasting loss. When Wendell Ford came to this body on December 28, 1974, thus becoming the 1,685th individual to have served in the Senate, he did so not as a political neophyte but as an accomplished entrepreneur and a dedicated and seasoned public servant. Following service in World War II, our friend from Kentucky returned to his home state and launched a successful insurance business. But it was the call of public service, the chance to reach out and help all of his fellow Kentuckians, that meant the most to this young executive.”