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Clinton: Follow examples of Diana, Mother Teresa
President mourns loss of 'remarkable women'
September 6, 1997
Web posted at: 10:14 p.m. EDT (0214 GMT)EDGARTOWN, Massachusetts (CNN) -- President Clinton mourned the loss of "two remarkable women" in his weekly radio address Saturday, and he urged people to follow the examples of service to others set by Princess Diana and Mother Teresa.
"Mother Teresa and Princess Diana, two women of vastly different backgrounds and worlds, are gone, but each of them in her own way has shown us what it is to live a life of meaning through concern of others," Clinton said.
"That is the great legacy they leave us. Let us honor it. For whether we live to a ripe old age or must leave this life too soon, our time on earth is short, and we live on only through the gifts we give others, who share the journey with us."
Clinton, on vacation on Martha's Vineyard, awoke at 4 a.m. local time Saturday to watch the funeral of Princess Diana on television, accompanied by his daughter, Chelsea.
The first lady, Hillary Rodham Clinton, was in London representing the United States at the funeral. Afterwards, she called on the world to honor Diana's memory by supporting her charitable efforts and campaigns to help AIDS victims and ban land mines.
"Today, the shadows are longer because we have lost a light that shined brightly, and we will miss her," Mrs. Clinton said.
The president told reporters that he wept during Elton John's tribute to Diana, a reworked version of "Candle in the Wind," which Clinton described as his favorite Elton John song. The song was originally written as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe.
People saw "a different kind of royalty" in Diana, Clinton said. "She shared the life struggle of ordinary people, she cared about them, and she was not too self-absorbed to lend her hand and her heart to people in pain."
Mother Teresa, Clinton said in his radio address, was "one of the century's greatest humanitarians."
"We will always cherish the time we spent with her," Clinton said, adding that Hillary and Chelsea Clinton have fond memories of their visit to Mother Teresa's mission in Calcutta.
"Her worldwide ministry to the poor, the suffering and the dying has served as an inspiration to all of us," Clinton said. "With the enormous power of her humble faith and her lifetime of living it, she touched the lives of millions of people -- not just in India but in our country and all around the world."
Senior administration officials said Saturday that there are currently no plans for President Clinton to attend the state funeral of Mother Teresa next Saturday in India. The first lady, however, may attend.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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