senator verdin: thank you, mr. president. >> you are welcome. senator verdin: i was surprised that the senator from darlington was the only one running to the front to get a copy. members, i want to thank you for the opportunity to stand before you. you never know how a debate is going to play out. there have been debates i have missed while serving in the body . there were debates in the past that i missed for not having the opportunity to serve in the body. one of those debates was the debate in 2000 for the flag to be relocated to the soldiers monument in front of the statehouse. and as i said just a few moments ago, the grievous and tragic circumstances that have precipitated this debate crush our souls. and you never know what your call to service might entail day-to-day, week by week. but i truly believe that we all have been prepared and have been preparing for this occasion. in recent months, i have had the opportunity to visit at the graveside of many confederate soldiers, many south carolinians. some that were casualties of the war bet

i would have to single out a lot of them, i would say senator thurmond, senator verdin.e have all had discussions. i know this is a difficult time because i know what is in your heart. i, too am and very much still mourning. this is a time we had this body come together -- my name is malloy. there are several confederate soldiers with the last name malloy, and they are buried their side by side. they were privates and corporals. i do not know the history. i do know they were -- there is a lot of rich history in the confederacy, but we do not know the history. i would make the argument it touches every one of us. i want to say to the senator from richland, senator jackson i had a conversation with senator ford last night. i sent letters out to senator patterson to honor his past work senator charles and jesper and others and we spoke to others. senator ford reminded me of senate bill 1266, that the flag was removed from the chambers and in the hallways. he goes on to say, what are we doing, why are we here? the senator from charleston, senator kimpson i very much apprecia

verdin: i want to share with you some verse from a him that our mother said to me less than hour ago. to me, it encapsulates the ministry in life and death of clementa. it embodies his ministry, those of his parishioners. i believe this verse embodies the experiences of south carolinians over the last 19 days. i believe historically it embodies the life and testimony of the south carolinians that have preceded us in the 20th century, the 19th century. the 18th century, the 17th century, and it is my prayer that it will be the testimony that embodies the life of our children and grandchildren. " turn your eyes upon jesus, and look full in his wonderful face. the things of this earth will grow strangely dim in his wonderful grace. " so much of the truth of that word has been lived in creed. i heard you, senator from charleston. i reflected on it. so much of it has been demonstrated here in this chamber. the streets of our cities. the prayer rooms of our gatherings, even in our private places of meditation and prayer. so, i am encouraged -- i am encouraged that things that transcend time