    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book II)]
    [August 30, 1994]
    [Page 1512]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Death of Drug Enforcement Administration Agents
    August 30, 1994

        I join the American people in mourning the deaths of five young
    agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, lost when their plane
    crashed in Peru this past weekend. Agents Frank Fernandez, Jay Seale,
    Meredith Thompson, Frank Wallace, and Juan Vars demonstrated a true
    devotion to duty and a commitment to ridding our country of the scourge
    of illegal drugs.
        Every day, dedicated men and women risk their lives in the
    international war against drugs. Working with officials from many
    nations, our DEA agents have made great progress in this struggle. But,
    as we have seen this week, this war is not an easy one. Even our most
    valiant young soldiers fall victim.
        These courageous agents served to make America's streets safer for
    our children, and, in their names, we rededicate ourselves to fighting
    drug production, trafficking, and use.
        On behalf of a grateful nation, I extend deepest sympathies to the
    families of these heroic individuals. Their bright lives will remain
    inspirations to all of us.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this statement.