Nick Rahall: “I rise today to acknowledge West Virginia Day, at least for the 1 hour left in today, and the West Virginian of the…”

“I rise today to acknowledge West Virginia Day, at least for the 1 hour left in today, and the West Virginian of the Century, U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd, whose accomplishments will last forever. 138 years ago, on June 20, 1863, West Virginia became the 35th State in the Union. Over those 138 years, our State has been blessed with many great statesmen and women, but last month at the State capitol in Charleston, Senator Robert C. Byrd was appropriately honored as West Virginian of the Century by a proclamation from our West Virginia Governor, Bob Wise, and resolutions from the West Virginia House of Delegates and the West Virginia Senate. Mr. Speaker, I include for the Record the remarks of Senator Byrd on that occasion. Remarks by Senator Robert C. Byrd, "West Virginian of the 20th Century," May 31, 2001 West Virginia, how I love you! Every streamlet, shrub and stone, Even the clouds that flit above you Always seem to be my own. Your steep hillsides clad in grandeur, Always rugged, bold and free, Sing with ever swelling chorus: Montani, Semper, Liberi! Always free! The little streamlets, As they glide and race along, Join their music to the anthem And the zephyrs swell the song. Always free! The mountain torrent In its haste to reach the sea, Shouts its challenge to the hillsides And the echo answers "FREE!" Always free! Repeats the river In a deeper, fuller tone And the West wind in the treetops Adds a chorus all its own. Always Free!”