Thomas Daschle: “a few weeks ago, South Dakota, and the country, lost a friend. Mrs. Matilda Tschetter of Huron, South Dakota was laid to…”

“a few weeks ago, South Dakota, and the country, lost a friend. Mrs. Matilda Tschetter of Huron, South Dakota was laid to rest on February 3rd in Freeman, SD. This chamber is no stranger to great men and women, and the Record is replete with recognition of their accomplishments. From Presidents to civil rights leaders, we often come to the floor to recognize Americans who have made a difference in our country. Matilda Tschetter may not have been featured on the front page of the newspaper, but she was certainly a great South Dakotan, and a great American. And she, too, made a difference in this world. Matilda Tschetter represents all that is great about our people. Strong, smart, and committed to her family, she spent much of her life serving others. Matilda and her late husband Henry were both educators. They raised a family, and Matilda remained active in Democratic politics throughout her life. I got to know Matilda when she served as a Senior Intern in my office. I was impressed by both her kindness and her informed thoughts on the issues confronting our country and the world. I understand that in the last election, Matilda voted absentee and made a point to remind everyone in her family to vote on election day. Matilda certainly understood the responsibility that comes with the privilege of living in a democracy. In South Dakota, and throughout the country, people like Matilda Tschetter quietly make our country a better place.”