As West Virginia's leaders serenade Senator Robert C. Byrd at the state capitol, the senior senator couldn't attend because he was working on health care legislation in D.C. But the senate recognized his amazing career.

On Wednesday, Byrd became the longest serving lawmaker in United States history.

"My only regret is that my dear wife, Erma, is not here to enjoy this moment with me." said Byrd.

Byrd has cast more than 18 thousand votes, been elected nine times as senator, has held more leadership positions than any senator in history, and has a 98 percent attendance record over the course of his long career.

"Robert C. Byrd is the first pubic official in the history of West Virginia to have won all of the state's 55 counties in a contested election." said Governor Joe Manchin.

"He inspired a whole new generation of people to speak up, speak out, and exercise their rights as U.S. Citizens." said Byrd's West Virginia statewide advisor, Anne Barth.

But Byrd says he doesn't have the big head after this latest accomplishment, he still remembers his roots.

"Little could I have ever imagined or dreamed, while I was feeding those hogs or walking in the snow to catch a bus to school, that one day I would become the longest serving member in history, the great history, of the United States Congress."