Mr. President, I join my colleagues in congratulating the senior Senator from South Carolina, our esteemed colleague and a legendary public servant, as we honor his service to America and his beloved constituents in South Carolina.
When the 107th Congress adjourns sine die later this year, it will end another chapter in the life and legendary public service of Senator Thurmond. For almost 48 years, Strom Thurmond has been an important person in the life of the Senate. Indeed, December 24, 2002, will mark the 48th anniversary of Senator Thurmond arrival in the Senate after his election as a write-in candidate, a feat that itself is historic and unprecedented. December 5, 2002, also marks another marvelous milestone, Senator Thurmond's 100th birthday. In considering these truly remarkable events, it is humbling to recall that Senator Thurmond's service in the Senate is longer than the period of time that Hawaii has been a state.
It is even more remarkable to consider Senator Thurmond's accomplishments outside of the Senate: attorney, state legislator, judge, decorated World War II hero and participant in the D-Day landing, governor of South Carolina, husband, and father.
I have had the privilege of serving with Senator Thurmond during the 12 years I have been in the Senate - the last quarter of his remarkable tenure - and we serve together on the Armed Services and Veterans' Affairs Committees. As Chairman Emeritus of both Committees, Senator Thurmond has earned a well-deserved reputation as a determined and powerful advocate for our Nation's men and women in uniform and our veterans. His commitment to improve services, benefits, and quality of life for servicemembers and veterans, and their families, is unwavering.
On a personal note, our former colleague, Senator Bob Dole, Majority Leader Daschle, and others have spoken about emulating Senator Thurmond's diet and exercise regimen as a way of enjoying similar longevity. I would like to share with my colleagues one of Senator Thurmond's dietary secrets: he has a fondness for Hawaiian macadamia nuts. I can think of no better testimonial for the health benefits of macadamia nuts then the gentleman from South Carolina!
I thank our leaders for scheduling this time for the Senate to honor the remarkable life and times of a great American patriot and a gentleman of the Senate, Senator Strom Thurmond.
Mr. President, I yield the floor.
