Andrea Joy Campbell: “Today I am privileged to honor my friend and colleague, the distinguished Senator from South Carolina, Strom Thurmond.…”

“Today I am privileged to honor my friend and colleague, the distinguished Senator from South Carolina, Strom Thurmond. Today we salute Senator Thurmond, who becomes the Senate's longest serving Member. It only seems fitting that I should be allowed to speak in his honor today. Several years ago our roles were reversed, and the distinguished Senator was thanking me. Now I would like to return the honor and thank him for his years of leadership. When Senator Thurmond was jostled in the subway 2 years ago, I used my years of police training to come to his aid and help the police to handcuff his assailant. Fortunately, no one was hurt. The incident led to a friendship between the Senator and me that I very much enjoy. Now we are all here to recognize the achievements of Senator Thurmond and commend his years of dedicated leadership and service. The senior Senator from South Carolina has used his skill and knowledge to serve the Senate and provide direction for over 43 years. Senator Thurmond has provided strong leadership in this institution, both on the floor and in committee. He has drawn from his own personal knowledge from his decorated service in World War II to contribute to and lead the Armed Services Committee and the Veterans' Affairs Committee. In 1942, Senator Thurmond joined the U.S. Army, and was among those brave young men of the 82d Airborne Division who landed in Normandy on D-day. For this service, he was awarded 5 Battle Stars.”