[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book I)]
[May 23, 1994]
[Page 978]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 978]]


Remarks at the Gravesite Service for Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in 
Arlington, Virginia
May 23, 1994

    We are joined here today at the site of the Eternal Flame, lit by 
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis 31 years ago, to bid farewell to this 
remarkable woman whose life will forever glow in the lives of her fellow 
Americans.
    Whether she was soothing a nation grieving for a former President or 
raising children with the care and the privacy they deserve or simply 
being a good friend, she seemed always to do the right thing in the 
right way. She taught us by example about the beauty of art, the meaning 
of culture, the lessons of history, the power of personal courage, the 
nobility of public service, and most of all, the sanctity of family.
    God gave her very great gifts and imposed upon her great burdens. 
She bore them all with dignity and grace and uncommon common sense. In 
the end, she cared most about being a good mother to her children. And 
the lives of Caroline and John leave no doubt that she was that, and 
more.
    Hillary and I are especially grateful that she took so much time to 
talk about the importance of raising children away from the public eye. 
And we will always remember the wonderful, happy times we shared 
together last summer.
    With admiration, love, and gratitude for the inspiration and the 
dreams she gave to all of us, we say goodbye to Jackie today. May the 
flame she lit so long ago burn ever brighter here and always brighter in 
our hearts.
    God bless you, friend, and farewell.

Note: The President spoke at 2:05 p.m. at Arlington National Cemetery.