Clinton honors those 'who gave their all'

Clinton

In this story:

• Many paid 'the ultimate price'
• Women veterans saluted
• President moved by ceremony
• Clinton says U.S. must lead
• Related stories and sites

May 25, 1998
Web posted at: 2:29 p.m. EDT (1829 GMT)

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Clinton laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns on Monday and urged the nation "to remember how much was given so that we could enjoy this day, and every day, in freedom."

In a formal Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery replete with soldiers, brass bands, drummers and buglers, the president spoke of the gratitude the nation owes veterans, living and dead, "who gave their all that we might be here."

"Our founders pledged their lives, their fortunes, their sacred honor" to create this country, Clinton noted, and many "paid the ultimate price to redeem that pledge."

President Clinton speaks at Memorial Day service at Arlington National Cemetery 14 min. 44 sec. VXtreme video

Memorial Day service at Arlington National Cemetery; wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns 3 min. 52 sec. VXtreme video

Clinton noted that 50 years ago, President Truman ordered the racial integration of the armed forces, which have since become a "shining example" of might and cooperation.

Also 50 years ago, Clinton said, American military personnel participated in the 11-month Berlin airlift that overcame a Soviet blockade encircling the city.

"I want to salute the American men and women who participated in that remarkable effort and proved that freedom can always find a way."

Women veterans honored

Clinton noted that the Women in Military Service Memorial was dedicated last October to honor the women who served their country, beginning with Mary Hays McCauley.

Army Maj. Gen. Robert Foley and Clinton during the opening Memorial Day ceremony

Known to generations of school children as "Molly Pitcher," McCauley took her husband's place at his cannon during the Revolutionary War and set an example that others would follow.

In the Civil War women served not just as nurses, but also dressed as men and soldiers. One such woman, Dr. Mary Walker, became the first and only woman to receive a Congressional Medal of Honor.

In World War I, women were allowed to enlist for the first time, and in World War II, 400,000 served at home and overseas, nearly all of them in non-combatant roles.

"There were many in the Navy, particularly, who worked in cryptology and they helped break the Japanese code," says Wilma Vaught, a retired U.S. Air Force general.

About 7,500 women served in Southeast Asia during the Vietnamese War, most of them as nurses. There are now about 200,000 American women on active military duty.

Clinton moved by ceremony

Clinton speaks at Arlington Cemetery on Monday

Clinton, wearing a dark suit, white shirt and dark tie, was visibly moved after placing a wreath in front of three white slabs of marble during a brief ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

Head lowered, his jaw muscles clenched and unclenched and he blinked rapidly numerous times and squeezed his eyes shut while a band played the National Anthem. A Marine bugler followed and played "Taps."

Clinton noted during his speech that 11 days ago, the body of an unidentified American soldier who died in Vietnam and was buried at the Tomb of the Unknowns was removed so that new scientific techniques could be used in an attempt to identify him.

"We must always remember the unknown soldiers," he said.

"Let us commit ourselves to a future worthy of their sacrifice ..."
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"Make the 21st century a century of peace ..."
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He also noted that the United States recently signed an agreement with North Korea to look for American soldiers who are missing from the Korean War.

He said that Monday morning, the remains of two men believed to be Americans were turned over to U.S. officials in North Korea. "They are coming home today," Clinton said.

He added that those who are missing in action "may be unaccounted for, but we must be accountable for their memories as well."

Clinton says U.S. must lead

Clinton said it is the duty of the United States to enhance freedom, human rights, prosperity and peace, and that "leading the world" is the country's "central lesson of the 20th century."

In a world that is getting "smaller and smaller, and more and more connected, we must strengthen the ties with free people," he said.

Clinton asked the nation to join him in a moment of silence at 3 p.m. EST in honor of America's veterans.

Correspondent Jeanne Meserve contributed to this report.

Related stories:

• America remembers its war dead on Monday - May 24, 1998
• Vietnam War movies top TV offerings for Memorial Day week - May 22, 1998
• Rain fails to dampen Memorial Day spirit - May 25, 1997

Related sites:

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• The American Legion: Memorial Day Address
• Memorial Day
• Vietnam Veterans Home Page
• Arlington National Cemetery

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