BYRD’S EYE VIEW: Happy Birthday, West Virginia!
From the desk of U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-WV
Washington, DC (HNN) -- Certain momentous occasions are well-known simply by their place on the calendar. December 31, for example, is readily recognized as New Year’s Eve, while January 1 is known to all as New Year’s Day. July 4 is Independence Day. And, in the Mountain State, we all know one other calendar date: June 20, West Virginia Day!
West Virginia is a place of incredible natural beauty. When God created the Earth, He blessed West Virginia with an abundance of natural resources, unparalleled mountain views, cool green forests, sparkling lakes and rivers, and awe-inspiring geological wonders. No man-made park could ever compare with the natural glory so abundant in West Virginia.
But as beautiful as God’s handiwork may be, it pales in comparison to the grace and the goodness that He has instilled in our people.
One does not define West Virginia by its boundaries on a map. West Virginia is defined by her people. West Virginians are unique, holding fast to our faith in God and love of country, our devotion to family and our caring for neighbors. Having grown up in the coalfields of West Virginia and devoted my public service to building a better future for the families in our state, I am immensely proud of the people of West Virginia! We’ve been laughed at and called hillbillies. We’ve been ridiculed and lampooned. But, at each obstacle, the spirit of West Virginia shines through, and our people rise to the top.
In the coming years, there are many challenges awaiting us. We must continue to develop new jobs and new opportunities for our families. We must find new ways to bring doctors closer to their patients, so that people don’t have to travel such long distances for basic medical care. Our classrooms must continue to improve -- a job that requires the efforts of our teachers, students, parents, and lawmakers alike. But problems are for solving. Working together, we can meet any challenge; we can overcome any obstacle.
As we celebrate West Virginia’s 143rd birthday, we should pause to thank our Creator for His many blessings -- for the natural beauty around us and for the fellowship of our friends and neighbors. We should take pride in our heritage and embrace the opportunities ahead. Always keep in mind: "Montani semper liberi" -- Mountaineers are always free!
Happy birthday, West Virginia!