Daniel Akaka: “it is indeed a privilege and honor for me to join my colleagues in commemorating and honoring my friend and colleague…”

“it is indeed a privilege and honor for me to join my colleagues in commemorating and honoring my friend and colleague, Senator Robert C. Byrd, on the occasion of his becoming the longest serving Senator in the history of our country, passing the old mark of 17,326 days on June 12, 2006. The fact that West Virginians have returned him to the Senate in eight prior elections speaks volumes of the love and affection and respect they feel for him as their Senator who serves them most effectively. When I first came to the Senate in 1990 from the other side of the Capitol, Senator Byrd was one of the first Senators I met with to get advice and counsel, which he generously shared with me. Of course, he gave me a copy of a pocket edition of the Constitution, the document upon which our country is based and one that is ever-present in his pocket. Over the years, he has been most generous with his friendships, and indeed I feel a sense of kinship and aloha with him. In Hawaii, this feeling of kinship is often referred to as being part of the ohana, or family, and used with love and endearment. With stewards like Senator Robert C. Byrd, we can rest assured that our country is in good hands. I look forward to his continuing friendship and serving with him for many years to come.”