Joe Manchin: “I thank my good friend from Connecticut. I appreciate his unwavering commitment to continue to fight for justice and…”

“I thank my good friend from Connecticut. I appreciate his unwavering commitment to continue to fight for justice and fairness for all, and he does it every day. I am here to say happy birthday to West Virginia. Tomorrow, June 20, we will be 151 years old, and I rise to honor my great State. I have often said this: Some of us were lucky enough to be born and raised there--and I am one of the lucky ones--some people were smart enough to move there, and some people just wish they could get there. So under any circumstance, we will take you. This is a State that truly embodies a brave and daring declaration of statehood that is unprecedented in American history. Born out of the fiery battles of the Civil War, West Virginia was founded by patriots who were willing to risk their lives in a united pursuit of justice and freedom for all. Since that day 151 years ago, June 20, 1863--when our State officially became the 35th State admitted into the Union--West Virginia's rich culture and strong traditions grew. That year the Great Seal of the State of West Virginia was adopted-- and we all have our seals and preambles in all of our States--depicting who we are as a people and our culture. With our birth date's inscription forever engraved in its center, the seal features a big boulder rock with two crossed rifles and a liberty cap sitting on top to express our State's importance in fighting for liberty and justice.…”