Remembering sacrifices in war and peace

President honors servicemen
risking lives at home, abroad

May 27, 1996
Web posted at: 2:45 p.m. EDT

ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, Virginia (CNN) -- In Memorial Day ceremonies Monday at Arlington National Cemetery, President Clinton paid tribute both to America's war dead and to military personnel killed during peacetime. (730K QuickTime movie)

"As we honor the brave sacrifices in battle that grace our nation's history, let us also remember to honor those who served in times of peace," Clinton said after placing a memorial wreath placed at the Tomb of the Unknowns, which holds remains of four unknown servicemen: one each from WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam.

Noting the deaths of 14 service personnel in the May 10 collision of two Marine helicopters near Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, the president said "more than 200" men and women in the U.S. military have been killed on duty or during training accidents in the past year. (200K AIFF or WAV sound) "About that many Americans in uniform give their lives for our freedom every single year."

Citing several places around the world where U.S. troops are stationed, Clinton said, "Our troops are standing watch on liberty's front lines." (185K AIFF or WAV sound) In a special mention of American military personnel in Bosnia, the president praised a peacekeeping mission that "stopped the slaughter of innocents."

The president spoke to an invited audience of about 4,000 people, including veterans, military families and members of the public.

He mentioned by name five people buried at Arlington within the past year:

• Marine Cpl. Eric Kirkland, who died in the Camp Lejeune helicopter collision.
• Air Force Col. Nelson Drew, a member of the president's staff, who died in Bosnia last August.
• Army veteran and Commerce Secretary Ron Brown and Air Force Technical
• Sgt. Cheryl Ann Turnage, who were among 35 people who died in a plane crash in Croatia last month.
• Adm. Mike Boorda, chief of naval operations, who committed suicide earlier this month.

Related stories:

• Thousands gather for Ron Brown's funeral - April 10, 1996
• President Clinton attends memorial for U.S. diplomats - August 23, 1995

Related sites:

• National Cemetery System (Dept. of Veterans Affairs)
• Arlington National Cemetery (unofficial)
• "Taps"

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