Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-06-04

TRIBUTE TO HARRISON REARDEN

TaxesEnvironmentDefenseTradeVeteransInfrastructureAgricultureCivil Rights

Context

On 2026-06-04, Representative James E. Clyburn (D-SC-6) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO HARRISON REARDEN" in the House.

Full Text

TRIBUTE TO HARRISON REARDEN

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 95 (Thursday, June 4, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 95 (Thursday, June 4, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E529-E530] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO HARRISON REARDEN ______ HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN of south carolina in the house of representatives Thursday, June 4, 2026 Mr. CLYBURN. 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 [[Page E530]] 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. ____________________

View original source →

TRIBUTE TO HARRISON REARDEN Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 95 (Thursday, June 4, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 95 (Thursday, June 4, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E529-E530] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO HARRISON REARDEN ______ HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN of south carolina in the house of representatives Thursday, June 4, 2026 Mr. CLYBURN. 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 [[Page E530]] 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. ____________________