James Strom Thurmond (December 5, 1902 – June 26, 2003) served as a U.S.
Senator from South Carolina from 1954 until 2003, at first as a Democrat and
after 1964 as a Republican. On August 29, 1957 he concluded the longest
filibuster ever by a lone senator, in opposition to the Civil Rights Act of
1957. He held the floor, speaking nonstop for 24 hours and 18 minutes.

Sen. Strom Thurmond gives a wave as he leaves the Senate chamber at the
end of his 24-hour filibuster.