Thomas Daschle: “On January 8, 1997, the Senate noted the beginning of Senator Robert C. Byrd's 51st year of public service to the people…”

“On January 8, 1997, the Senate noted the beginning of Senator Robert C. Byrd's 51st year of public service to the people of West Virginia. On that occasion, I spoke of Senator Byrd's public record, of his service in both houses of the West Virginia State legislature, his service in both houses of the U.S. Congress, of the leadership positions he has held in the Senate, and of the remarkable seven consecutive terms to which he has been elected to represent the people of West Virginia as a U.S. Senator. I spoke of the public man, of the fascinating orator seen edifying Senators and C-SPAN audiences alike with his grasp of history and his love of the Constitution and of this body. On November 20, Senator Byrd will mark another, more personal, anniversary. On November 20, Senator Byrd will celebrate the completion of his 80th year of life. To celebrate this event, along with his current and many of his former staff members, I want to share with this body and the world some of our reflections on the personal man, the side of Senator Byrd we see, respect, and honor every day. If the heart of West Virginia is made of coal--that rich, compressed carbon of long-ago life that breathes fire to warm our homes and light our dark nights--then Senator Byrd is a diamond honed over time to be its purest, clearest core. Years of experience and study have cut many facets in his character, each adding a distinctive sparkle.”