Paul Coverdell: “I first met Richard Nixon as the director of what was to become his last political parade in October 1972. The parade…”

“I first met Richard Nixon as the director of what was to become his last political parade in October 1972. The parade just happened to be in Atlanta. Yet, by the time of that first meeting, Richard Nixon had already had a profound affect on my life as an American citizen. While his Presidency will be debated for years to come, any person sharing his time could not escape his reach, from his international efforts in China, Vietnam, and the former Soviet Union, to his national efforts of revenue sharing, rebuilding our cities, and protecting our environment. His reach affected the day-to-day lives of people everywhere like me. After my election to the U.S. Senate, I joined the new Republican Members, for a long lunch at the former President's home in New Jersey. All those things we had heard about Richard Nixon were true--his grasp of history, foreign policy, and command of language and facts were truly awesome. Not acknowledged by much I had ever read, however, was his warm, polite, and genuine interest in others. His last appearance at our Capitol on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of his first inaugural reinformed all of these thoughts for me. We were connected in yet another way. The former President reflected my father's generation and humble beginnings. Richard Nixon believed as does my father that hard work, and individual responsibility are good and rewarding qualities.”