Bob Dole: “I am honored today to talk about a pioneer for North Carolina in the field of journalism . . . the late David Brinkley.…”

“I am honored today to talk about a pioneer for North Carolina in the field of journalism . . . the late David Brinkley. David died on June 12, at the age of 82, from complications resulting from a fall. He was laid to rest in his beloved home, Wilmington, North Carolina . . . beside his father--William Graham Brinkley and mother--Mary MacDonald West Brinkley. David was born in Wilmington . . . He attended high school at New Hanover High School. While there . . . and after several long hours pouring over books in the Wilmington Library . . . David got an itch for journalism. He didn't wait. He took a part-time job while still in high school, working for the Wilmington Morning Star and its afternoon edition, the Wilmington News. He said he made about $11 a week. But the young boy, who once made extra money by changing light bulbs and running a soft-drink stand at Wrightsville Beach's Lumina Pavillion, went on to become an icon for millions of viewers who watched him each night. He and co-anchor Chet Huntley had the highest rated news program on American television during the 1960's with ``The Huntley-Brinkley Report.'' Many of us still remember their familiar sign-off of ``Good night, Chet,'' ``Good night, David.'' David went on to host ``This Week With David Brinkley,'' until he retired in 1996. Mr. President, at a time when we often get news that is too short, too sensationalized and sometimes too slanted, David Brinkley was the consummate newsman.…”