- 10/5/2023
On Thursday, mourners gathered in San Francisco to honor the life of Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), who passed away last week at the age of 90.
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00:00 [ Silence ]
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00:17 >> Colors, turn.
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00:23 >> Order, colors.
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00:29 >> Ready, two.
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02:40 >> All uniformed personnel, present arms.
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03:12 >> Thank you everyone.
03:13 You may be seated.
03:18 Good afternoon.
03:20 I'm San Francisco Mayor London Breed and welcome to San Francisco City Hall.
03:25 Today, we honor the life, the legacy of Senator Dianne Feinstein.
03:31 Senator Feinstein, that is her official title.
03:37 It's how Californians and people all over the world knew her.
03:41 But to us, to San Franciscans, she was Mayor Dianne Feinstein.
03:48 I was 13 years old, the French horn player at Benjamin Franklin Middle School, when I first met the mayor.
03:56 Over the years, we had become Mayor Feinstein's band.
04:01 Whenever there was an important event or activity, she chose us to perform.
04:07 We played at City Hall and at the Super Bowl celebrations.
04:11 We proudly wore our band sweaters that she bought for us.
04:16 And Mayor Feinstein always took the time to talk to us, to tell us how amazing we were, and to remind us that we were her band.
04:26 I was born in the early '70s, so as a kid --
04:29 [
04:36 ]
04:37 Thank you, Mayor Feinstein, for bringing the Blue Angels to San Francisco in 1981.
04:42 [
04:44 ]
04:47 I was born in the early '70s, so as a kid, as far as I could remember, as far as I ever knew, Dianne Feinstein was the mayor.
04:57 And for kids my age, we just always accepted that a woman could be in charge, that a woman could do whatever a man could do.
05:05 We believed that. We considered it normal.
05:08 My mother's generation didn't have that. My grandmother's generation certainly didn't.
05:14 But millions of girls my age and long after me have grown blissfully free of the yokes our grandmothers wore
05:23 because Dianne Feinstein wrestled them off, because she showed the way.
05:29 She created a world where girls like me could be tough, where we could lead.
05:34 When I became mayor, and even before that, when I was a member of the Board of Supervisors,
05:40 Senator Feinstein was always there to offer guidance.
05:44 A few years ago, when I was president of the Board of Supervisors, we had a large ceremony in the board chambers,
05:50 and Senator Feinstein, as former mayor, joined me up on the dais.
05:56 As each dignitary or past supervisor walked in, she whispered notes to me.
06:02 "That's Supervisor So-and-so. He lives in West Portal. Ask him about his gardening."
06:10 When the pandemic hit, Senator Feinstein reached out to me before I could reach out to her.
06:16 She talked to me about the hard decisions that needed to be made.
06:19 She told me to focus on doing the right thing, to do what's necessary for the city.
06:25 Senator Feinstein was always focused on the nuts and bolts, the things that San Francisco needed.
06:33 I valued her advice, and I will miss her, of course.
06:37 It was her words that meant the most when I became the second woman to be mayor of this city in the wake of tragedy.
06:45 It was her advice on how to heal and lead that gave me strength.
06:51 But I don't know if she recognized that none of the things that she told me as an adult were ever as important as what she showed us as children.
07:04 Through times of tragedy and triumph, Dianne Feinstein showed us the meaning of San Francisco's motto,
07:14 "Gold in peace, iron in war."
07:18 She showed us a world where women lead, where we lift each other up so that girls like me could follow in her footsteps.
07:25 She showed us strength and grace, courage and collaboration.
07:30 And like the old saying goes, "You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough."
07:39 Dianne Feinstein did it right. She was our mayor, our champion.
07:45 She was the leader of our band.
07:47 And I know I speak for all San Franciscans when I say she will truly be missed.
07:55 Now I'd like to introduce Rabbi Singer and Cantor Barak.
08:03 [applause]
08:15 In our Jewish tradition, we call Senator Feinstein --
08:21 [roar of a helicopter]
08:31 That's an American "amen" right there.
08:35 We call her in Hebrew an "Eishet Ha'il," a woman of valor.
08:41 And as we mourn this loving mother, grandmother, friend, true woman of valor,
08:49 let us be comforted by the words that we have in common, the words of the 23rd Psalm.
08:56 For the psalmist writes and reminds us how this senator, this amazing leader, lived.
09:05 She brought comfort to so many in this city as we faced some of our deepest challenges.
09:13 She feared no evil as she courageously pursued justice as a leader in the Senate.
09:21 And she gave us hope that we Americans can always be inspired by the values of democracy,
09:30 even as we walk, at times, through the valley of the shadows.
09:37 So may we be comforted as we now hear the cantor sing those words in the Hebrew.
09:43 And then I'll invite you to join me together, by heart perhaps, in the English.
09:51 [Pause]
09:58 [Singing in Hebrew]
10:05 [Singing in Hebrew]
10:12 [Singing in Hebrew]
10:18 [Singing in Hebrew]
10:36 [Singing in Hebrew]
10:42 [Singing in Hebrew]
10:59 [Singing in Hebrew]
11:05 [Singing in Hebrew]
11:20 [Singing in Hebrew]
11:26 [Singing in Hebrew]
11:35 [Singing in Hebrew]
11:46 [Singing in Hebrew]
11:52 [Singing in Hebrew]
12:08 [Singing in Hebrew]
12:16 [Singing in Hebrew]
12:34 [Singing in Hebrew]
12:40 [Singing in Hebrew]
12:57 [Singing in Hebrew]
13:03 [Singing in Hebrew]
13:11 [Singing in Hebrew]
13:25 [Singing in Hebrew]
13:31 [Singing in Hebrew]
13:40 [Singing in Hebrew]
13:48 [Singing in Hebrew]
13:54 Join with me.
13:56 God is my shepherd, I shall not want.
14:01 God maketh me to lie down in green pastures.
14:04 God leadeth me beside the still waters.
14:08 God restoreth my soul.
14:10 God guideth me in straight paths for thy name's sake.
14:14 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
14:18 I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.
14:22 Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
14:25 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemy.
14:29 Thou hast anointed my head with oil.
14:32 My cup runneth over.
14:34 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
14:39 And I shall dwell in the house of God forever.
14:44 May her memory be for a blessing. Amen.
14:47 Now we will hear remarks from the President of the United States,
15:01 Joe Biden.
15:07 >> Thank you, President Biden.
15:09 [Applause]
15:11 >> I want to thank the staff and the remarkable Dianne Feinstein.
15:15 Within Dianne's very soul lay the defining trait of great leaders,
15:19 character.
15:21 Over 15 years in the Senate, plus another decade in the Vice
15:24 Presidency, and now the Presidency, again and again I saw her
15:28 character in action, up close and personal.
15:31 She was always tough, prepared, rigorous, and compassionate.
15:36 She was a leader who stood up for our nation and our nation for
15:39 the right reasons.
15:41 To make life better for everyday people and ensure America stood
15:44 for freedom, transparency, and justice at home and abroad.
15:48 We had the honor of a front row seat to her character.
15:52 In that role, among her many accomplishments throughout her
15:55 distinguished career, she turned passion into purpose.
15:59 To lead the fight to ban assault weapons.
16:02 To defend our nation's liberties.
16:06 To strengthen our national security.
16:08 Safeguard our environment.
16:10 And so much more.
16:12 Often the only woman in the room, she also mentored generations of
16:16 women and men alike to imagine a bigger, more hopeful future for
16:20 themselves, for the country, and for the world.
16:23 On this day of remembrance, reflect on the many ways that such a
16:27 woman has served our country and built a legacy that will benefit
16:31 Americans for generations to come.
16:33 And that's not an exaggeration.
16:36 At the same time, our family reflects on the life of a kind and
16:40 loyal friend.
16:42 To Catherine, we hope you find the strength in the truth found in
16:46 scripture.
16:48 As is the mother, so is the daughter.
16:51 To the rest of Diane's family, we send our love and hope you find
16:56 the strength in the truth that she and her are now together again.
17:00 And to the nation today, may Diane's life be a reminder that the
17:05 institutions of our democracy do not only depend on the
17:08 constitution that governs our nation, which she swore an oath to
17:12 uphold and defend, our democracy depends on the constitution of our
17:16 character as a people.
17:18 On the habits, the habits of our heart and our mind that lie deep
17:22 within us.
17:24 And to the rest of the family, Diane showing us the way by the
17:28 power of her example.
17:30 God bless the great American hero.
17:32 She was something else.
17:34 And she was a dear friend.
17:36 God bless Diane Feinstein.
17:38 [Applause]
17:47 >> Now it is my honor to introduce the vice president of the United
17:52 States of America, Kamala D.
17:54 Harris.
17:56 [Applause]
18:03 >> Thank you, Mayor Breed.
18:06 To Catherine, Eileen, Rick, and the entire family, and to all the
18:11 distinguished guests who are gathered, it is my honor to be here
18:15 with you today.
18:18 Diane Feinstein was an icon of California.
18:24 She was an American patriot, a giant of the Senate, and a dear
18:31 friend to Doug and me.
18:36 She was a student of history, a gifted and I will add very
18:43 generous artist.
18:47 One of us are collectors of Diane's work.
18:51 And a passionate leader.
18:54 Simply put, she was a force.
18:58 To many of you, she was supervisor, mayor, senator, and
19:03 then chairman.
19:05 She was recognized around the world as a leader, a standard
19:10 bearer of America, and of American values.
19:15 Yet, of course, to Catherine and Eileen, she held perhaps the most
19:21 important titles of all, mother and grandmother.
19:26 So to Catherine and Eileen and Rick and to the entire family, Doug
19:31 and my prayers are with you.
19:33 And I don't have to tell you --
19:36 [ Cheers and applause ]
19:47 That it is not easy --
19:51 It is not easy when a loved one lives a life of public service.
19:57 Especially a person as hard-working and selfless as
20:02 Diane Feinstein.
20:04 So to you, the family, we thank you for all the sacrifices you
20:09 have knowingly and unknowingly made over the years that allowed
20:15 her to serve.
20:17 And on behalf of the people of the United States, we are
20:20 grateful to you.
20:22 As a public servant, Diane had the courage to take on the many
20:28 tough fights.
20:30 Even when she was faced with fierce opposition and political
20:35 peril.
20:37 And especially when her work was in defense of the Constitution.
20:43 And the security of the American people.
20:47 Diane commanded respect and she gave respect.
20:52 She was a serious and gracious person who welcomed debate and
20:58 discussion.
21:00 But always required that it would be well-informed and
21:04 studied.
21:07 And I believe that this city, where she started, had a lot to
21:12 do with that.
21:14 To the uneducated here, I will let you in on a well-known
21:18 secret.
21:20 San Francisco politics is rough and tumble.
21:24 Some even say a bare knuckled sport.
21:28 And this city requires its elected officials to engage on a
21:35 daily basis in complex discussions with informed
21:41 constituents who will raise the most interest of local issues.
21:48 No matter if you are walking through the Presidio or attending
21:52 an event at Delancey street.
21:55 And this environment, I do believe, guided Diane's style of
22:01 leadership.
22:03 Even after she reached the heights of national and global
22:07 power.
22:09 Diane diligently focused on the impacts to real people.
22:15 Ideology.
22:17 Substance.
22:19 Not citizenship.
22:21 Results.
22:23 Not rhetoric.
22:25 When I was sworn into the senate in 2017, it was Diane who
22:29 welcomed me.
22:31 She invited me to her senate hideaway.
22:34 There with one hand, she presented me with a glass of
22:38 California Chardonnay.
22:40 And with the other hand, a binder full of her draft bills.
22:47 And true to her mayoral roots, she was deeply immersed in the
22:53 details of each bill.
22:55 And how each would play on the streets of our beloved state.
23:02 Some of my fondest recent memories of Diane are of our time
23:06 together in a skiff.
23:09 A secure meeting room in the United States senate.
23:13 Every week, members of the senate intelligence committee
23:17 would walk into that wood paneled room.
23:20 No cameras.
23:22 No public.
23:24 No devices.
23:31 Senators of both parties who would take off their jackets and
23:37 literally roll up their sleeves.
23:40 Putting aside partisanship to discuss what was in the best
23:45 interest of our national security.
23:48 There, we would review classified materials and receive
23:53 updates from the heads of the CIA, our intelligence community,
23:58 and the United States military.
24:01 And God forbid if one of them gave a devasive answer.
24:07 Diane, with her trademark grin, would pause, lift up her memo,
24:15 glance knowingly at the others of us on the dais, and question
24:21 the witness in a way this former prosecutor always admired.
24:27 In that room, there was give and take.
24:31 Substantive debate and problem solving.
24:36 And that was quintessential Diane at her best.
24:43 So as I close, allow me to turn back the clock 30 years to
24:50 today, November 3, 1992.
24:55 I was a young prosecutor at the Alameda county district
24:59 attorney's office.
25:01 And on that evening, I left my home in Oakland, got in my
25:06 Toyota Corolla, and drove across the Bay Bridge to the city.
25:12 I pulled into the Fairmont hotel, and I walked up to a
25:18 huge and packed ballroom.
25:22 There on stage stood Diane and Barbara Boxer.
25:28 Hands raised in what the nation would name the year of the
25:34 woman.
25:36 We celebrated an historic feat.
25:40 We were the first state to elect two female senators.
25:47 And that night we celebrated Diane, who the next day would
25:52 take office as the first female senator ever for the great state
25:58 of California.
26:01 Fast forward to today, when I again traveled to the city to
26:06 celebrate Diane, this time from Washington, D.C., on Air Force
26:12 II.
26:14 Diane, the women of America have come a long way.
26:20 Our country has come a long way.
26:23 And you helped move the ball forward, and our nation salutes
26:28 you, Diane.
26:30 [ Applause ]
26:40 >> Please welcome the Senate majority leader of the United
26:45 States Senate, the Honorable Charles E. Schumer.
26:50 [ Applause ]
26:54 >> Thank you, Mayor and Vice President Harris, Speaker
26:58 Merida Pelosi, Mayor Breed, Rabbi Singer, Cantor Barak,
27:03 Catherine and all of Diane's family, my many dear colleagues
27:07 who have come here, and friends.
27:10 Now, there's a story of Diane I always thought was
27:14 quintessentially her.
27:16 Some of us might remember that years ago, Senator Feinstein
27:21 injured her ankle while on a morning walk in Lake Tahoe.
27:26 Now, most people might go see a doctor, clear the schedule,
27:30 focus on recovering.
27:33 But Diane, forget it.
27:36 It was the week of the Lake Tahoe summit, a signature event
27:40 of hers, one she inaugurated back in 1997 with Harry Reid,
27:45 convening leaders from California and Nevada, the public
27:49 sector, the private sector, all for a cause near and dear to
27:53 her heart, preserving Lake Tahoe for future generations.
27:59 Years later, she looked back on that morning and remembered
28:04 hearing a bone pop, but chose to finish her day before even
28:09 thinking about treatment.
28:11 Turns out it was a pretty significant fracture.
28:14 Asked how she got through the day, she only offered three
28:19 words, "I just did."
28:25 Now, there are many adjectives that rightly describe Diane
28:28 Feinstein, strong, unflappable, winning, fierce, practical,
28:36 earnest, but one quality above all stands out in my mind and
28:42 will forever set Diane apart, integrity, integrity.
28:49 Diane Feinstein was a leader of uncommon integrity.
28:54 She had an internal gyroscope that propelled her,
28:58 motivated her, never let her stray from a cause she knew
29:02 was right.
29:11 I have to be unflappable right now.
29:16 When she embraced an issue, she pursued it until the end.
29:21 No matter the consequences, no matter what others thought,
29:26 her integrity made her sparkle like a diamond in the Senate.
29:32 I was dazzled by that internal gyroscope for the first time in
29:35 1994 when I closely worked with Diane as the author of the
29:40 House version of the assault weapons ban which Diane
29:44 championed in the Senate.
29:46 She worked that bill harder than anyone I'd seen work a bill,
29:50 attacking every angle, thinking of every pitfall, resisting
29:54 every broadside from the NRA because she knew her cause to be
29:59 just from her own experience.
30:02 Thanks to her dedication, her unflappability, her trademark
30:06 integrity, America turned a new leaf in the fight for gun
30:11 safety.
30:13 Working with Diane on the assault weapons ban was one of
30:16 the proudest moments of my time in office.
30:19 From that time on, I not only called Diane a colleague, but a
30:24 close friend.
30:26 And what a loving, caring friend she was.
30:30 When my daughter first moved to San Francisco out of college
30:33 that September, I got a call from Diane.
30:36 She asked me, "Does your daughter have anywhere to go for the
30:41 high holy day services?"
30:43 I said, "No."
30:45 She said, "Well, then she's going to services with me."
30:50 There are so many qualities of this amazingly multifaceted
30:54 woman that I will miss.
30:56 I will miss her ability to win over doubters and detractors,
31:00 and there were many, not by putting them down, but with her
31:05 elegance, her poise, and her piercing wit.
31:10 I will miss her sheer dedication and thoroughness.
31:13 She was better prepared and better informed than just about
31:16 anyone else.
31:18 I can't tell you how many times Diane would consider a topic and
31:21 say, "Let me go home and read first."
31:25 And she'd always come back with 40 or 50 or 60 questions the
31:30 next day.
31:32 I will miss Diane's talent as one of the Senate's great deal
31:36 makers.
31:37 If there was the smallest bit of common ground, she'd pursue it.
31:41 If it meant moving an issue forward.
31:44 Even while being so far ahead of her time on gun safety, marriage
31:48 equality, women's rights, the environment, and so many other
31:51 issues, she was never afraid of working with those she disagreed
31:56 with whenever the opportunity arose.
31:59 Diane Feinstein was the living embodiment of what the Senate
32:02 should always be, an institution built on cooperation.
32:08 Finally, I'll always be indebted to Diane, not just as a
32:13 colleague, but as a father of two daughters.
32:17 Because of Diane, my daughters grew up in a world that's a
32:21 little bit fairer, a little more just, and more accepting of
32:26 women in leadership.
32:29 Speaking at Stanford commencement in 1993, Diane confessed that
32:35 she never sought to be the first woman in this role or that role.
32:39 What mattered most, she said, was to live life to the fullest
32:44 and advise the graduates to, quote, be able to accept
32:48 challenge, take some risk, but always protect your integrity.
32:54 And that is just what she did throughout her entire career.
32:59 So today we grieve.
33:02 Today we mourn an immense loss for the Senate, for California,
33:07 for America.
33:10 But we also give thanks.
33:12 Thanks that someone so rarefied, so dedicated, and with a
33:18 sparkling diamond-like presence served our country so well for
33:24 so many wonderful years.
33:27 [ Applause ]
33:34 And now I would like to read a statement from former
33:39 Congressman and chair of the California Democratic Party,
33:43 John Burden.
33:45 Our country, California, and my hometown of San Francisco, has
33:50 lost a great public servant, but more important to me is that I
33:54 lost a friend of more than 50 years.
33:57 She was a force to be reckoned with when it really mattered
34:01 most, and she showed up for you when the chips were down.
34:06 She saved San Francisco during its darkest hours and showed
34:10 political courage during times when no one else did as a United
34:15 States senator.
34:17 She had chutzpah, and I loved her for it.
34:20 My heart goes out to her family and especially her daughter,
34:25 Catherine, and her granddaughter, Eileen.
34:28 Rest in power, my friend, from John Burden, as I said, former
34:33 Congressman and former chairman of the Democratic Party in
34:37 California.
34:38 [ Applause ]
34:42 Now please join me in welcoming the San Francisco Girls Chorus.
34:48 [ Applause ]
34:55 [ Applause ]
35:02 [ Applause ]
35:09 [ Applause ]
35:15 [ Applause ]
35:22 [ Applause ]
35:29 [ Applause ]
35:36 [ Music ]
35:40 To dream the impossible dream
35:46 To fight the unbeatable foe
35:52 To bear with unbearable sorrow
35:58 To run where the brave dare not go
36:04 To right the unrightable wrong
36:10 To love pure and chaste from afar
36:16 To try when your arms are too weary
36:22 To reach the unreachable star
36:27 This is my quest to follow that star
36:33 No matter how hopeless, no matter hard
36:39 To fight for the right without question or pause
36:44 To be willing to march into hell for a heavenly cause
36:51 And I know if I only be true to this glorious quest
37:00 That my heart will lie peaceful, calm when I lay to my rest
37:09 And the world will be better for this
37:15 That one man, scorned and covered with scars
37:21 Still strove with his last ounce of courage
37:27 To reach the unreachable stars
37:35 [ Applause ]
37:46 >> Now please join me in welcoming
37:49 our speaker emerita, the Honorable Nancy Pelosi.
37:54 [ Applause ]
38:01 >> Good afternoon, everyone.
38:03 Diane, Diane, all your life you have challenged everyone to do our best.
38:10 Now as we honor your leadership to celebrate your life
38:14 and express our sorrow in your passing,
38:18 living up to your standard is quite a challenge.
38:21 However, we started with the President of the United States
38:27 having his plane carry you home.
38:31 He loved you so much, he said,
38:34 "My only wish is that I could have been on the plane taking her home."
38:40 Draped in the American flag,
38:42 your beautiful landing in the arms of the first responders,
38:46 lifting you up, Catherine, Rick, and Eileen on Saturday.
38:52 Over the weekend, your beloved 49ers
38:55 and our great San Francisco Giants
38:57 paid tribute to you at their games.
39:00 Yesterday, Mayor Breed received you triumphantly back at City Hall,
39:06 where you would lie in state and be welcomed home
39:10 by the people of San Francisco with music and song.
39:14 Thousands of people came to pay their respects
39:18 and lined the blocks all day long and into the night
39:22 so that the family had to extend the time for people to pay their respects.
39:27 And this week it was announced that the Blue Angels--
39:32 Fleet Week would be dedicated to you.
39:35 Fleet Week would be dedicated--
39:37 And now listen to this.
39:39 The Blue Angels will pilot a missing woman formation
39:46 honoring Dianne Feinstein.
39:48 She flew with them.
39:50 Imagine.
39:52 Choirs singing, people crying, teams cheering, ships sailing,
39:57 Blue Angels flying, all honoring Dianne,
40:00 a woman so strategic and so strong,
40:03 a lady so gentle, a trailblazing model,
40:07 and a mentor of generosity and sweetness.
40:11 Here they come again.
40:13 While they're coming, let's recognize the members of Congress who are here,
40:17 the House and the Senate.
40:19 Please stand so that we can recognize you all.
40:22 So many.
40:24 [applause]
40:34 Thank you.
40:35 From the most vulnerable in our midst
40:38 to the most powerful persons in the world,
40:41 Dianne regarded everyone with respect.
40:46 Thank you, Kathleen--excuse me.
40:48 Thank you, Catherine, Rick, and Eileen for sharing Dianne with us.
40:55 We all smile when thinking of Dianne going to her first civic engagement
41:02 with Catherine in a stroller.
41:06 And then years later--
41:12 It's what Dianne wants.
41:14 That's what we get.
41:16 And years later with Eileen, whom Dianne called "noodle" in her arms.
41:23 Catherine in the stroller, noodle in her arms,
41:27 Blue Angels in the sky.
41:31 Dianne drew strength from you, Catherine, noodle, and Rick,
41:37 and we all drew strength from her.
41:41 I hope it is a comfort to you that so many people mourn your loss
41:46 and are praying for you at this sad time.
41:50 Dianne--they asked me to talk personally about Dianne.
41:53 We're being neighbors as well as political, shall we say, in the same arena.
42:00 Dianne loved cultivating people and flowers.
42:05 She cultivated relationships, bringing people together,
42:08 officially, personally, and romantically.
42:13 You know that Dianne was a matchmaker.
42:16 Now, some of you know that.
42:18 You are here, Jerry Brown and Anne, Charlotte Chilton, George.
42:23 The list goes on and on.
42:26 Last week, my daughter Nancy was toasting Dianne,
42:30 and she said, "Thank you, Dianne, for allowing us to be present in your happy place."
42:36 Dianne considered it a happy place where she challenged us all.
42:39 This was at the beginning of last week.
42:41 Little did we know what the week would hold.
42:44 Dianne cultivated people.
42:46 She was loyal to hundreds of commissioners, appointees, and staff,
42:51 many of whom are here today.
42:53 Let's hear it from you, all of you.
42:56 [applause]
43:00 I have a T-shirt that I want to show you, and it says--and many of you have worn this--
43:07 "I survived Dianne's staff meetings."
43:12 And Dianne cultivated flowers.
43:15 She loved flowers--to grow them, to show them, to paint them,
43:20 to share them on drawings and on mugs.
43:24 Anybody here have a mug, a Dianne mug?
43:27 And as neighbors, Paul and I always knew, because we could see from our window,
43:32 that Dianne had the most fabulous hydrangeas.
43:37 As neighbors and friends, Dianne and I took pride in working together for California
43:41 and for our values.
43:43 I'll always remember this one time in 2015 in the United States Capitol.
43:49 Dianne and I expressed our concern to President Xi about the Chinese government's abuses
43:54 of the Tibetans and disrespect for His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
43:59 When Dianne spoke, people listened.
44:02 People have asked me, "What is the best advice I ever received from Dianne?"
44:07 Well, there's many--we all have gotten great advice from Dianne,
44:10 but the most constant advice I ever got from her, again and again, was,
44:16 "Nancy, you don't always have to be the one going out on the attack.
44:22 Let some other people do that from time to time.
44:25 Why don't you do that?"
44:33 Madam Vice President, thank you so much for honoring us with your presence today
44:38 and honoring Dianne, your good friend and, again, official associate.
44:44 It is an honor that you are here.
44:46 Leader Schumer, you have spoken so beautifully about Dianne, our senator's accomplishments.
44:54 Thank you.
44:55 Thank you for your beautiful remarks the morning of her passing
44:59 and all that you have done since then to honor her memory.
45:03 And she has a lasting legacy.
45:06 From the cable cars, the breast cancer stamp, to the assault weapons ban,
45:11 to Team Tahoe--any Team Tahoe's here?
45:14 Team Tahoe--the list goes on and on, from the U.S. Capitol back to San Francisco,
45:21 where Dianne Feinstein is our forever mayor, forever mayor.
45:28 Dianne was such a commanding mayor for 10 powerful years that when her term was up
45:34 and some other people started to run for mayor, including some men,
45:38 schoolchildren were saying, "Can a man be mayor of San Francisco?"
45:44 I guess.
45:46 Dianne left--Madam Mayor, here we go.
45:54 Dianne left us as she had lived.
45:56 She left on her own terms.
45:59 She was proud to confirm more than 140 Biden judges.
46:04 [applause]
46:08 And Chuck can attest that she walked onto that floor last Thursday,
46:13 which would be her last day in service.
46:15 She walked onto the floor and voted to advance legislation
46:20 to keep government open for the people.
46:25 [applause]
46:36 This is just the beginning.
46:37 All weekend, Fleet Week dedicated to Dianne, flyovers all weekend.
46:45 She would like it like that.
46:48 The president began his beautiful tribute earlier in the program with a poem by Emerson.
46:54 I will end with a song suggested by Nancy Crim, my daughter who loved Dianne so much,
46:59 "American Anthem."
47:03 Doesn't this sound like Dianne?
47:06 Let them say of me I believed in sharing the blessings I received.
47:11 Let me know in my heart when my days are through,
47:14 America, America, I did my best for you.
47:19 Dianne Feinstein.
47:21 Dianne, we know you did your best for America.
47:25 May you rest in peace.
47:27 Thank you.
47:28 [applause]
47:35 Thank you, Madam Speaker.
47:37 I told the Blue Angels just two times, but now they're just giving us some more energy.
47:43 We're excited and grateful for the senator's legacy, and we know that they loved her as well.
47:49 So at this time, I'd like to welcome for the final remarks of the day,
47:54 Senator Dianne Feinstein's granddaughter, Eileen Mariano.
48:00 [applause]
48:09 Thank you, Mayor Breed, and thank you to everyone in the audience for making the journey out here today
48:17 and for braving the heat.
48:20 It is an honor to my grandmother.
48:23 My grandmother will be remembered by those in San Francisco, California, and the United States
48:31 for so many reasons, a number of which have already been mentioned today.
48:36 For San Franciscans, Senator Feinstein guided the city through tragedy, saved our beloved cable cars,
48:45 created the iconic Pier 39, and fought for the LGBTQ community during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
48:55 [applause]
49:00 For Californians, Senator Feinstein established Joshua Tree in Death Valley,
49:09 preserved beautiful Lake Tahoe, modernized California's water system, and protected California's deserts.
49:21 For those across the country, Senator Feinstein will be remembered for banning assault weapons,
49:31 creating life-saving Amber Alerts, and rooting out and banning torture.
49:39 She will also be remembered across the country for shattering the glass ceiling.
49:45 She showed young women everywhere that they too can be leaders, that they can make an impact,
49:52 and that they deserve a seat at the table.
49:55 [applause]
49:58 But to me, she will be remembered as the most incredible grandmother.
50:04 Minutes after I was born at the hospital, she exclaimed to my mom and dad,
50:10 "Oh, wow, she looks just like me. You should change her name to Diane."
50:19 From then on, she and I were extremely close. We had an effortless connection.
50:25 When I was a toddler, we could amuse ourselves for hours playing hide and seek.
50:30 I would laugh and laugh and laugh when she would find me hiding.
50:35 I would spend nights at my grandmother's house whenever she was home in San Francisco.
50:40 She taught me to play chess, although she hated losing.
50:45 We would pick flowers from her garden and draw them together,
50:49 although only her drawings were worth making into prints.
50:54 She would give me haircuts at home in the kitchen,
50:58 much to my parents' dismay because my hair always turned out crooked.
51:03 And she loved teaching me about San Francisco's history,
51:07 why there are bricks instead of asphalt on some of our city's steepest hills,
51:12 what sutro baths used to look like before the fire,
51:16 and the best places in the city to view the bay.
51:20 At the end of the day, we would curl up close on the couch
51:24 and watch a movie or our favorite TV show.
51:28 And when it was time to go to sleep, she would say goodnight,
51:32 and she would always sing me the song "You Are My Sunshine."
51:36 My grandmother was my biggest cheerleader.
51:39 She was an unwavering support system.
51:42 She never failed to tell me how proud she was of me.
51:47 I could bring to her any worry or fear, and she always had a good solution.
51:53 She was a constant and unyielding source of love.
51:58 As I got older, she started sharing more of her infinite wisdom.
52:03 She taught me lessons that I will carry with me forever.
52:06 "Work to your long suit," she would say.
52:09 "Do something that you can do for your entire life,
52:13 something that energizes you, something that inspires you,
52:17 and something that makes the world a better place for the people who live in it."
52:22 Boy, did my grandmother do that.
52:25 "Earn your spurs," she said.
52:27 "You have to work hard. Put in the hours and work your way up."
52:32 My grandmother did that, too.
52:35 It doesn't matter how many times you lose.
52:38 You pick yourself up, you dust yourself off, and you keep going,
52:42 no matter what.
52:44 That, and she would also say to me,
52:47 "If you ever go out of town, no matter where you're going,
52:50 it doesn't matter if you're going to a city or the desert or a beach or the mountains,
52:57 always pack a black pantsuit.
53:01 There is no occasion to which you can't wear a black pantsuit."
53:08 So to my grandmother, I promise to always work to my long suit,
53:15 to earn my spurs, to keep going no matter what,
53:20 and to never forget my black pantsuit.
53:24 Your family loves you.
53:26 We are so proud of you.
53:28 We miss you.
53:30 And you will always, always be my sunshine.
53:34 [applause]
53:57 Thank you, Eileen.
53:59 Thank you, Catherine.
54:01 Thank you to your entire family, to so many of Senator Feinstein's staff
54:06 and colleagues from the Senate, people who have come far and wide.
54:11 Thank you to all of San Francisco for your love and your support
54:16 of Senator Feinstein and her family at this time.
54:20 Her legacy will continue to live on in everything we do
54:24 to continue to lead this city and to lead this country.
54:28 This has been an extraordinary service, and we appreciate,
54:32 especially our Vice President, for being here to represent our country,
54:37 to demonstrate the importance of what Senator Feinstein means,
54:41 not just to San Francisco and the state of California, but the entire country.
54:46 It is so meaningful to be here with each and every one of you,
54:50 so many elected leaders and legends and people who helped lead this city
54:55 for many, many generations.
54:57 You are all in our hearts and our prayers as we continue to mourn
55:01 Senator Feinstein, but she will always, always be remembered
55:05 in so many corners of this city, in so many corners of this state,
55:10 and in corners of this country.
55:12 And at this time, we'd like to welcome back the Girls Chorus
55:16 for a final song in honor of our great Senator, Diane Feinstein.
55:23 Thank you.
55:24 [applause]
55:31 [footsteps]
55:35 [footsteps]
55:57 [footsteps]
56:09 [piano]
56:12 It only takes a tiny corner of this great big world
56:20 To make the place we love my home upon a hill
56:28 I find I love you still I've been away but now I'm back to tell you
56:40 San Francisco, open your golden gate
56:46 You let no stranger wait outside your door
56:51 San Francisco, here is your wandering one
56:56 Saying, "I'll wander no more"
57:00 Other places only make me love you best
57:05 Tell me you're the heart of all the golden west
57:10 The golden west
57:14 San Francisco, welcome me home again
57:19 I'm coming home to you, moving no more
57:24 San Francisco, open your golden gate
57:29 You let no stranger wait outside your door
57:34 San Francisco, here is your wandering one
57:38 Saying, "I'll wander no more"
57:43 Other places only make me love you best
57:48 Tell me you're the heart of all the golden west
57:52 The golden west
57:55 San Francisco, welcome me home again
58:00 I'm coming home to you, moving no more
58:05 San Francisco, open your golden gate
58:10 You let no stranger wait outside your door
58:15 San Francisco, here is your wandering one
58:20 Saying, "I'll wander no more"
58:24 Other places only make me love you best
58:29 Tell me you're the heart of all the golden west
58:34 San Francisco, welcome me home again
58:39 I'm coming home to you, moving no more
58:48 [applause]
58:59 [piano]
59:03 Thank you again everyone, and thank you for joining us.
59:06 We really appreciate you being here on behalf of Senator Dianne Feinstein's family.
59:12 We want to thank you all for joining us here today.
59:15 [applause]
59:20 [piano]
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