Cord Byrd: “I am honored today to join my colleagues in saluting one of our own, Senator Bob Kerrey of Nebraska, for the courage and…”

“I am honored today to join my colleagues in saluting one of our own, Senator Bob Kerrey of Nebraska, for the courage and heroism that he displayed as a U.S. Navy SEAL 30 years ago, and for the courage and determination that he continues to inspire today. The United States Senate is no stranger to heroes. Through the centuries, this Chamber has embraced the souls of some of the greatest heroes of our nation. It still does. We are privileged to work among heroes every day, individuals like Bob Kerrey, Strom Thurmond, Danny Inouye, John McCain, and Max Cleland. I hope we never take the courage of these individuals for granted, or lose sight of the great legacy of their predecessors. Certainly, among the history of heroism in the Senate, Bob Kerrey's story is one of inspiration. Horribly injured by a grenade, he nevertheless carried on an attack against the Viet Cong and led his men to victory. His bravery won for him the highest honor that the United States government can bestow upon an individual for valor: the Congressional Medal of Honor. But his act of courage also took a great toll. It cost him his leg, challenged his spirit, and threatened to taint his life with bitterness. Bob Kerrey overcame those crises. He turned adversity to success. He recovered from the grievous wounds to his body and soul. He became a successful businessman, went on to become governor of the state of Nebraska, and in 1988 was elected to the United States Senate.”