In 1946, a 28 year-old grocery clerk, who had a talent for the fiddle, started a campaign for the West Virginia House of Delegates. A member of a Democratic Party that was altogether different from today's party, he traveled throughout Raleigh County, WV fiddling his way into people's hearts. At 28, this very young and admittedly immature gentleman won what was to be his first of fifteen electoral victories.
It would be superfluous for me to recount the complete biography of Robert C. Byrd, so I will briefly convey how he did have and, indeed, will always have an impact on me.
First and most importantly, Senator Byrd taught me to understand, revere, and love the Constitution of the United States.
Second, Senator Byrd proved to me that a West Virginian need not be born into greatness, but through perseverance, inspiration, motivation, and endurance a West Virginian can become great.
Finally, Senator Byrd showed me that we humans can mature, we can overcome prejudices, we can sincerely and honestly express regret, we can set things right, and we can change.
Tonight, under the Rotunda of the West Virginia Capitol, I stood and bowed my head at Senator Byrd's coffin. I thanked God for Senator Byrd's public service to his country, his public commitment to his State, and his public aspiration to improve the lives of West Virginians like me.
(Notice the pocket-sized Constitution is displayed)
(Notice the picture of Senator Byrd with Ted Kennedy, Jennings Randolph, and Jay Rockefeller)