Charles Skelton: “I had the opportunity and the privilege for some 7 to 8 years to ride to and from McLean, VA to the Capitol with my…”

“I had the opportunity and the privilege for some 7 to 8 years to ride to and from McLean, VA to the Capitol with my fellow Missourian, Bill Emerson. We would start out the day, we would solve all of the problems of the world and, unfortunately, by the time we went back to our houses in the evening together, all of the problems would fall apart. He was a wonderful companion, a wonderful friend. Memory and friendship are funny things. They go hand-in-hand. I will long remember the discussions we had: Political, legislative, Missouri, Westminster College, where he went to school; families, angels, agriculture, Fort Leonard Wood, the gamut of subjects was nearly covered by our conversations. It was always in a spirit of warmth, joviality, kindness, and yes, vision, that he spoke of things we discussed. This is a fitting tribute, and I compliment the gentleman from St. Louis, MO, Mr. Clay for bringing it to the floor, for Bill Emerson will long be remembered in this body, but he will long be remembered at home where he really cared for the people that he represented.”