    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book II)]
    [December 25, 1993]
    [Page 2205]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Death of Norman Vincent Peale
    December 25, 1993

        The name of Dr. Norman Vincent Peale will forever be associated with
    the wondrously American values of optimism and service. Dr. Peale was an
    optimist who believed that whatever the antagonisms and complexities of
    modern life brought us, that anyone could prevail by approaching life
    with a simple sense of faith. And he served us by instilling that
    optimism in every Christian and every other person who came in contact
    with his writings or his hopeful soul. In a productive and giving life
    that spanned the 20th century, Dr. Peale lifted the spirits of millions
    and millions of people who were nourished and sustained by his example,
    his teaching, and his giving. While the Clinton family and all Americans
    mourn his loss, there is some poetry in his passing on a day when the
    world celebrates the birth of Christ, an idea that was central to Dr.
    Peale's message and Dr. Peale's work. He will be missed.