Sue Myrick: “I rise today in sorrow like everyone else, but, yes, also to honor one of North Carolina's greatest citizens, Dale…”

“I rise today in sorrow like everyone else, but, yes, also to honor one of North Carolina's greatest citizens, Dale Earnhardt. He was a true original. There was only one of him. A lot of people said that about him. He probably will go down in history because he has been known throughout the world as one of the greatest race car drivers ever to get behind the wheel of a stock car. His talents may never be matched and his achievements may not be paralleled, but his winning attitude both on and off the track is one that really was contagious for so many people. His glory in race cars was important, but I think the fact that he was such a fantastic role model for so many people is what we really need to focus on. I did know Dale Earnhardt, and I saw him touch many lives. He inspired so many people because he showed them that you can, with perseverance and determination, become anything you want in today's world. You can live your dreams. You can accomplish your goals. He never let his fame get in the way of his work ethic or in what he did for the community. He did have enormous success, but he did not forget his roots where he came from, and he never compromised his beliefs.”