James E. Clyburn

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and enduring legacy of Ms. Edith Lila Frierson, a pioneering educator whose extraordinary devotion to the children of Wadmalaw Island transformed a school, strengthened a community, and opened doors of opportunity for generations. On October 24, 2026, the Wadmalaw Island community will commemorate one hundred years since Ms. Frierson first arrived on the island to educate its children. As a historical marker is unveiled in her honor, we celebrate a remarkable woman whose nearly half-century of service continues to inspire us today.

Ms. Frierson was born on October 2, 1908, in Charleston, South Carolina, to Edward and Elizabeth Frierson. She was educated at Avery Teacher Training High School and South Carolina State College. Armed with an education and a calling to serve, Ms. Frierson made her way to Wadmalaw Island, where she would devote her professional life to ensuring that its children received the education and opportunities they deserved.

For forty-eight years, Ms. Frierson served as both teacher and principal at the former Rockville Elementary School. Her work came during an era when educational opportunities for African American children in rural South Carolina were severely limited. Under her leadership, the school grew from a one-room schoolhouse into a modern educational facility, completed in 1954 as part of South Carolina's Equalization School program.

Ms. Frierson was much more than an administrator. She was a teacher, mentor, advocate, and stabilizing force in the lives of countless children and their families. Her commitment to excellence and opportunity helped

shape generations of students and strengthened the fabric of Wadmalaw Island. She understood that education could change the trajectory of a child's life and, in turn, transform an entire community. In 1974, the Charleston County School District recognized her extraordinary contributions by renaming Rockville Elementary School in her honor. Today, Edith L. Frierson Elementary School remains Wadmalaw Island's only public school and stands as a lasting testament to her service.

Ms. Frierson passed away on February 3, 1998, but her influence did not end with her passing. It lives in the former students she taught, the families she strengthened, those who have walked through the schoolhouse doors bearing her name, and those who will in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in honoring Ms. Edith Lila Frierson on this historic centennial. One hundred years after she first arrived on Wadmalaw Island, we remember a woman of perseverance, dignity, and unwavering commitment to public service. The historical marker being unveiled in her honor will remind future generations that one devoted educator can transform countless lives. Ms. Frierson's legacy is a living testament to the power of education, the importance of service, and the enduring difference one person can make.

Mr. Speaker, I, like many others, were shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham, who served in this body from 1995 to 2003, when he left to begin serving in the Senate.

I wrote in the introduction to my memoir that I am a child of blessed experiences, generally southern, proudly Black. All of my experiences have not been pleasant, but I have considered all of them to be blessings, and so it was with Lindsey Graham.

My relationships with Lindsey were sometimes partisan and passionate, mostly productive on behalf of the people of South Carolina.

For more than three decades, we served the people of the Palmetto State together here in Congress. Throughout that time, we maintained a relationship grounded in mutual respect, even when our political differences were significant. His commitment to public service and the people he represented will remain an enduring part of his legacy.

I shall never forget playing a round of golf with Lindsey Graham in one of South Carolina's many beautiful golf courses, and I raised an issue with him that I thought was very significant.

I said to him that South Carolina, which I considered to be one of, if not the most, historic States in our Nation, was without a heritage corridor, and I thought that one was in order for the State.

Lindsey said he agreed with me, but I said to him: Lindsey, this bill that I have introduced to create the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor will never become law with my name on it. Things had gotten a bit too partisan back in 1994, 1995, and 1996.

I asked him to put his name on it. He said to me: I don't want to take your legislation. I said to him: You are not taking it. I am giving it to you.

Then he said: I don't know if I understand what it is all about. I said to him: When the bill is called, invite me to speak on it, and he did.

South Carolina got that heritage corridor. It has now got two more since, and in every one of those heritage corridors, I worked with Lindsey Graham to make it happen.

South Carolina now has three national parks. We had only one national monument, but now we have three national parks. The monument I worked with his predecessor to get, but with the last two national parks, I worked with Lindsey Graham to do it quietly.

We didn't have press conferences. We just sat down with each other or we got in the golf cart together to make it happen. That is the way it was with Lindsey Graham, someone who was passionate but productive and sometimes pleasant--sometimes.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson).

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the remarkable life of Harrison Rearden on his 90th birthday. For at least eight of his nine decades, Mr. Rearden has exemplified the values of service, leadership, faith, and community. His extraordinary contributions to South Carolina and its citizens are leaving an indelible mark on our state and he continues to serve as an enduring example of what can be accomplished through dedication to others.

Born on June 6, 1936, in Edgefield, South Carolina, to Norris and Ruth Rearden, Harrison Rearden was raised in a rural community where the values of hard work, integrity, and perseverance were instilled in him at an early age. After graduating from Edgefield Academy in 1954, he continued his education at South Carolina State College where our paths first crossed when I arrived on that campus in 1957.

Harrison earned a degree in biology in 1958, before pursuing graduate studies at Indiana State University. Following his studies, he answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army and reporting to Fort McClellan in Anniston, Alabama. Upon completing his military service, he began his professional career as an educator.

Mr. Harrison transitioned into the insurance industry and spent fifteen years with Pilgrim Health and Life Insurance Company in Greenville, South Carolina where our paths crossed for a second time. In Greenville, Mr. Rearden quickly established himself as a respected civic leader. He served as President of the South Carolina Insurance Association, Executive Secretary of the Billy Graham Greenville Crusade, and became actively involved in civil rights activities through his membership in the NAACP.

In 1974, Mr. Rearden began what would become a distinguished twenty- seven-year career with the South Carolina Department of

Social Services. Through hard work, vision, and exemplary leadership, he rose through the ranks to become Deputy State Director. His dedication to public service earned him numerous accolades, including the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian honor, the Silver Crescent Award, a Concurrent Resolution for Public Service from the South Carolina General Assembly, and the South Carolina State Employee of the Year Award. It was during his service in South Carolina's State government that he and I formed a lasting friendship.

Even after retiring from the Department of Social Services in 2001, Mr. Rearden continued to devote himself to public service. His efforts have been recognized by organizations throughout South Carolina, including the Columbia Urban League, the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, and the South Carolina State Employees Association.

He also served on numerous boards and organizations, including the American Lung Association, Central South Carolina Alliance, Babcock Center, Salvation Army Advisory Board, Richland County Planning Commission, and the South Carolina State Employees Association. He chaired the Richland-Lexington Airport Commission and served as Vice Chairman of the South Carolina Highway Commission.

Throughout his life, faith has remained a cornerstone of Mr. Rearden's character. He faithfully served as a Deacon at First Nazareth Baptist Church, a Board Member of the United Baptist Deacons of Columbia, and Chairman of the Deacon Ministry at First Calvary Baptist Church. His unwavering commitment to his church has touched countless lives and strengthened the communities he has served.

Harrison has always believed in the power of service, the importance of community, and the value of treating every person with dignity and respect. South Carolina is stronger because of his contributions, and countless individuals have benefited from his wisdom, compassion, and example.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in celebrating the 90th birthday of my good friend and mentor, Harrison Rearden. I thank him for a lifetime of service and wish him continued health, happiness, and blessings in the years ahead.