Today, it is my honor to speak at the memorial service for one of our country’s great public servants, Vice President Walter Mondale.

A few years back, I visited the Carter Museum in Atlanta. There were words inscribed on the wall. They were Walter Mondale’s words… words of reflection on their Administration: “We told the truth. We obeyed the law. We kept the peace.” That’s the standard he held himself to each and every day of his life.

He did it as a young state attorney general, when he championed the right to counsel in the landmark Gideon v. Wainwright case.

He did it as a U.S. Senator, when he fought for civil rights and fair housing.

He did it as Vice President, when he served as a true partner to President Carter, deserving of a place in “the room where it happens.”

He did it as a Presidential nominee, too, when he announced Geraldine Ferraro as his running mate. Like so many, that day, I knew that anything and everything was possible.

For Vice President Mondale, public service was never about personal glory. It was about the people. It was always about getting things done for the people.

He believed in the dignity of all people -- and the promise of America to take care of its people.

I hope you’ll join me in honoring and remembering his life and legacy today.

-- Senator Amy Klobuchar