Pete Sessions: “I was going to add that Senator Thurmond, at the age of 99 and soon to be 100, was at the Republican Conference luncheon…”

“I was going to add that Senator Thurmond, at the age of 99 and soon to be 100, was at the Republican Conference luncheon today. And here it is, a quarter to 6, and he just left the floor a few minutes ago. He has been fully engaged all day today. He is a true American. I remember my first foreign trip with him to China. They respect age in China. So we were well respected. We went out to a Chinese Army military base. They asked him to review the troops. I was standing there--this Senator from rural Alabama--watching the famous Strom Thurmond troop in front of a group of Chinese Communist troops. Afterwards, I told him, ``I never thought I would ever see that, Strom.'' I never thought I would have been there. He is a remarkable man, a thorough expert in military affairs, and an absolute patriot. I thank Senator Levin for recognizing his service to our country.”