    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book I)]
    [July 11, 1993]
    [Pages 1063-1064]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial in Honolulu, Hawaii
    July 11, 1993

        Admiral Larson, ladies and gentlemen, it's a great honor for me to
    be here, not for the first time but for the first time as President, to
    honor the memory and the service of those who were killed 52 years ago
    on a Sunday morning like this in the service of their country. During
    December of 1941, Americans throughout our Nation were going about their
    business aware that much of the rest of the world was already embroiled
    in a conflict but hopeful that America would not be forced into it, that
    somehow by standing apart we might keep America's shores and our sons
    and daughters safe from the strife that had then engulfed much of the
    rest of the world.
        Much has changed since that fateful Sunday morning in 1941. The
    United States no longer faces the threat of an expansionist Germany or
    Japan. Indeed, I have just met with the leaders of those two nations and
    four others in an attempt to increase the prosperity and opportunity of
    all the peoples who live within our nations. The expansionist Soviet
    Union, which sprung up after the Great War, was dismantled in the
    failure of communism in the last few years. And at this same meeting in
    Tokyo, the new democratically elected President of Russia, Boris
    Yeltsin, came and talked to us about how together we might build a
    brighter and freer and more prosperous future for his people.
        Our closest friends now are those with whom we fought a half a
    century ago. And yet, it is still as clear now as it was then that the
    United States cannot disengage from the world. To be economically and
    physically secure, we must continue to be strong. In visits to Japan and
    to Korea I have reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to the
    security of our allies and friends in the Pacific, beginning with a
    continuing military presence made possible by the men and women who
    serve our Nation here at Pearl Harbor and throughout the region. As we
    honor those who gave their lives a half century ago, let us also honor
    those who guard our security today.
        I had breakfast with some of the young men and women of the Pacific
    Command this morning. And Admiral, I thank you very much for that
    opportunity. I was profoundly impressed by their energy, their
    discipline, their knowledge, their commitment, their willingness to do
    their jobs. I met with other members of our Armed Forces in Korea
    yesterday, including in the DMZ, where I was able to take the most
    forward position that any American President has ever enjoyed, standing
    on the Bridge of No Return about 10 yards from the dividing line which
    still separates us from what is perhaps the most anachronistic Communist
    regime remaining in the world.
        I believe more strongly than ever before that the world has never
    had a better fighting force than the men and women who serve in the
    military service of our country. We are all in

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    their debt for their service and their dedication. We are all proud of
    what they do for us.
        So in the presence of this memorial to those who gave their all in
    1941, looking across the harbor at our magnificent fleet of 1993, let us
    resolve today to honor their sacrifice and their service by maintaining
    the best prepared and best equipped force in the world, always ready to
    meet any challenge, always worthy, and receiving our full support.
        Thank you very much.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:15 a.m. In his remarks, he referred to
    Adm. Charles R. Larson, commander in chief, U.S. Pacific Command.