With the death of Sandra Day O’Connor, a giant has passed from American public life. She became the first woman Supreme Court Justice in 1981 after being nominated by President Ronald Reagan. For a quarter century, she served on the court with distinction as a wise and sober contributor to its deliberations. After leaving the court, she remained highly active in public affairs. Her service on the Iraq Study Group, which I co-chaired, is just one example of her continued commitment to her country. Susan and I will miss our dear friend and her straightforward approach to life, her sharp legal mind, and her collaborative spirit — all which helped her admirably serve the country she loved so well.
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