Today, United States Senator John Warner announced that he would not seek a sixth term.
His announcement reads as follows:
To my fellow Virginians -
Today I held a press conference on the grounds of the University of Virginia and announced that I will conclude my service to Virginia as a Senator when I complete this – my 5th term – on January 6, 2009.
I wanted to write this note to thank you.
The communities of Charlottesville, Amherst and Lexington are, to me, hallowed grounds. My ancestors on my father’s side go back many generations in Amherst; Lexington is home to Washington and Lee University, where my father graduated in 1903, and I, following naval service during the last year of World War II, graduated in 1949; and then to Charlottesville, where I entered the law school.
In the summer of 1950 war, unexpectedly, started in Korea and I, like many others across America left school or jobs and joined the military. This time I served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Two years later I returned to Charlottesville to resume my law studies.
It was with some difficulty that I converted back to student life. Had it not been for the firm guidance, academic discipline and special encouragement and commitment of an extraordinary Dean and senior law faculty, I am doubtful I could have made the transition and graduated.
This University laid an essential part of that foundation for my eventually becoming your U.S. Senator.
They forged my character; They forged my sense of values.
Public service is a priviledge. As I look back over a long career, many generous opportunities have been given to me. As I now add up all the years of public service, it totals 45 years!
How fortunate, how blessed I have been!
By my side throughout has been a strong, devoted family.
Each step of my career, I have had a loyal, dedicates staff supporting me.
Their advice and counsel has not only benefitted me, but also Virginia and the nation.
A scholar I am not, but I have benefitted from those who are.
A passage from Shakespeare’s Hamlet reads: “this above all; to thine own self be true.”
Over the years I have tried my best not only to be “true” to myself, but also “true” to my fellow Virginians.
I close with a quote from a Founding Father of our nation and a Founding Father of the University of Virginia, Mr. Jefferson:
“There is a fullness of time when men should go, and not occupy to long the ground to which others have the right to advance.”
Together with my family, I have decided to follow this sage, fair wisdom and yield the right to others “to advance.”
Gratefully,
John Warner
U.S.S., Va.
This photograph of John Warner with his wife Jeanne Vander Myde Warner was taken at his Speech to Virginians at the Rotonda of the University of Virginia on August 31, 2007.