[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book I)]
[June 2, 1994]
[Pages 1017-1018]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks to Italian Citizens in Rome
June 2, 1994

    Mayor Rutelli, Mrs. Rutelli, Prime Minister Berlusconi and Mrs. 
Berlusconi, to the citizens of Rome, for Hillary and for me, this is an 
historic moment. At this site of ancient glory, we say to you on behalf 
of all of the people of the United States, greetings.
    It is humbling to stand here. Romulus walked on this ground. 
Michelangelo designed this magnificent place. Today we celebrate 
something worthy of their greatness, the towering friendship between the 
United States and Italy.
    Among the Americans I brought here with me today is a distinguished 
member of my Cabinet, the watchful guardian of our Government's budget, 
and one of America's greatest sons of Italy, my friend, Leon Panetta. 
Well, I know that Washington is not Rome, that dollars are not lire. But 
when the budget is made, taxpayers everywhere need someone in the 
Government like Leon Panetta who is paid to say basta, enough. 
[Laughter]
    Because Leon Panetta represents the best of the Italian-American 
partnership, and because he has such a good sense of humor, and because 
I am deeply in his debt as an American citizen, I have invited him to 
translate a part of my remarks here today. And when he is through, I 
want the citizens of Rome to give him a grade on how well he did. 
[Laughter] Mr. Panetta.
    I am delighted to be in Rome, and I look forward to returning to 
Italy to visit Naples next month. There is so much of Italy in America--
art, music, philosophy, and most important, the strength and wisdom of 
so many of your sons and daughters.
    That bond of blood and spirit between our people is the heart and 
soul of our special relationship. America and Italy are more than mere 
partners. We are now and forever will be alleati, amici, una famiglia.
    So, Leon, grazie. Thank you for your friendship and for teaching me 
a few words of Italian. [Laughter] Now, all of his ancestors will rest 
in peace forever. All of his ancestors will rest in peace.
    I have come to Europe to recall its cruelest war and to help secure 
its lasting peace. I am honored to begin travels here in the Eternal 
City on the anniversary of your republic. A half-century ago, my Nation 
joined a great crusade to restore liberty on this continent. But no 
moment was prouder than 50 years ago this week when we joined with you 
and others to return Rome to its people, and its people to freedom.
    We are still told stories about that great day, church bells ringing 
out a song of celebration, children climbing onto the tanks of the 
liberators. One brave member of the Italian Resistance said, ``We cried 
with happiness, letting ourselves realize for the first time how scared 
we had been.''
    To honor, we must remember. Therefore, this week, as the sons and 
daughters of democracy, we must resolve never to forget such hallowed 
words as Anzio, Nettuno, Salerno, Normandy. These names speak of the 
sacrifices of our parents and the freedom of their children and 
grandchildren.
    Now, for 50 years our people have stood together as Italy has worked 
a modern miracle. You have transformed Italy into one of the world's 
great economies. You have helped to build NATO, history's greatest 
military alliance. And you have stood firm against Soviet expansion.
    America is grateful for Italy's vital role in our partnership, in 
your hosting NATO air operations at Aviano and in the Adriatic, in your 
working to build the European Union, in your investment in the 
continent's new democracies.

[[Page 1018]]

    The end of the cold war is permitting all of us to do the work of 
renewal within our nations, to rebuild our economies, to rebuild our 
sense of community and common purpose, to reform our politics. We must 
do this. Cicero said, ``Merely to possess virtue as you would art is not 
enough unless you apply it.'' I believe Italy will pursue its democratic 
destiny with virtue and grace, and as you pursue that destiny, America 
will stand with you and with Europe.
    For 50 years we have stood together to help build peace and 
prosperity in Western Europe. Now let us expand those blessings across a 
broader Europe. So, to all the Italians here present, and to my fellow 
Americans here present, to all the citizens of other nations in this 
hallowed place, let us hope that, 50 years from now, the world will say 
of us, the children of freedom and democracy were the builders of 
lasting peace.
    Thank you, and God bless you.

Note: The President spoke at 6:18 p.m. in the Piazza del Campidoglio. In 
his remarks, he referred to Mayor Francesco Rutelli of Rome and his 
wife, Barbara Palombelli; and Veronica Lario, wife of Prime Minister 
Berlusconi. A portion of the President's remarks was translated into 
Italian by Leon Panetta.