William Helms: “Senator Faircloth and I are genuinely honored to offer this legislation to award a congressional gold medal to two…”

“Senator Faircloth and I are genuinely honored to offer this legislation to award a congressional gold medal to two wonderful North Carolinians, Dr. Billy Graham and his remarkable wife of 52 years, Ruth Graham. I have known them for years. Billy Graham was born not far from where I was born, and I have known him very, very well since the early 1950's, when I attended his very first crusade right here at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC. When the bill is signed into law, Congress will be paying tribute to a deserving couple who have spent their lives exemplifying the miracle of America--faith in God, morality, charity, and family. Most Senators have met the Grahams; many are personal friends, as are Senator Faircloth and I. Billy and Ruth are marvelous servants of the Lord. Anybody even vaguely familiar with the Grahams' witness will agree that Billy's and Ruth's relationships with God, their love for each other and their family, and their deep-seated compassion for humanity are unsurpassed. This is the genuine spirituality that has led literally millions of Americans, and millions of others around the world, to grasp the meaning and hope of salvation. The incredible millions who have heard the message of salvation through Billy Graham's evangelistic campaigns are testimony to his devout magnetism.”