Jay Rockefeller: “I rise for a moment to add my voice to those who praise Senator Robert C. Byrd. I think what every public servant…”

“I rise for a moment to add my voice to those who praise Senator Robert C. Byrd. I think what every public servant deserves, and occasionally gets, is a recognition that his or her service is in fact profoundly appreciated. That is usually not the case. The American people are not as aware of what goes on in these Halls, or even in their own legislative halls, as they ought to be. But I take special happiness out of this day for Senator Byrd because he has accomplished something that nobody else has with his 17,000th vote. He rose to cast his vote, as he always does. When somebody comes to greet him, argue with him, plead with him, and he is at his seat, he always rises, be that a man or a woman. He has brought, in my judgment, not only a tautness to the debates that we have in this Chamber, not always agreeing with the majority or with the minority, but he knows his mind and he knows his soul, and he knows his God. He does not deviate from that and he cares not who appreciates that or who doesn't. In other words, Senator Byrd is a man who, over the years, through the crucible of tough experiences and steadfast devotion not only to his God but also to the great figure who is not here today, who is so much part of his life and who brings out even in saying her name a great emotion in me, and that is his absolutely wonderful, wonderful wife Erma, honors us by his service.”