Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009
Claiborne Pell
The lives of countless Americans have been touched by Claiborne Pell, though they may not realize it. Because of his efforts and the Pell Grant, the doors of college — and with it, opportunity — have been opened to 54 million Americans. A Senator from Rhode Island, he was one of our nation's most important voices in foreign policy for more than 30 years and a leader in the fight to stop the spread of nuclear weapons. He was a mentor to me in many ways, and I will always be grateful for his counsel. His legacy — as a family man, as a statesman, as an innovator — will live on for generations to come.
—Joseph Biden
Biden is the Vice President of the United States