Kay Bailey Hutchison: “It is a privilege today to pay tribute to the memory of the late Strom Thurmond. Often outspoken, sometimes…”

“It is a privilege today to pay tribute to the memory of the late Strom Thurmond. Often outspoken, sometimes controversial, but always passionate, Strom was an unparallel servant of the people. He always put his Nation first, whether in combat on the beaches of Normandy or here in the halls of the Senate. He made a career of giving back to his country. But he was also a wonderful human being. Strom often reminded me that Colonel William Barret Travis, who was in command at the Alamo, was from his home county in South Carolina. While Strom himself missed the Alamo by a few years, he demonstrated that he too embodies the spirit of the Alamo and the sense of duty and commitment to his country that we Texans associate with Colonel Travis. Strom's journey into the history books began back in the 1920s when he graduated from his beloved Clemson. He went on to become a teacher and athletic coach, county superintendent of education, town and county attorney, eleventh circuit judge, South Carolina governor, soldier, president of the Reserve Officers Association and finally, a U.S. Senator--a position he held for a remarkable 48 years. For many, that would be five lifetimes of careers. But not Strom. It was just enough to keep him busy for the century he was on this Earth. Strom lived every day of his life to the fullest. I'm still amazed that he volunteered to return to active duty military service, though he was way past the age of being drafted.”