    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book II)]
    [December 20, 1994]
    [Pages 2190-2192]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on Presenting Medals for Service in Operation
    Uphold Democracy
    December 20, 1994

        Secretary Perry, Admiral Owens, members of the Joint Chiefs; to
    General Shelton and Mrs. Shelton, members of the Shelton family; to the
    representatives of each of our military services who served in Haiti and
    their families; all the other distinguished guests here, welcome to the
    Rose Garden.
        We gather today to honor General Shelton and members of our Armed
    Forces for their service to our Nation in Operation Uphold Democracy.
    All those who have served and all

    [[Page 2191]]

    those who still serve in Haiti have served with extraordinary skill,
    courage, and dedication.
        For 3 years, the United States and other countries throughout the
    world tried everything short of force to remove Haiti's illegal military
    regime and to restore its democratically elected government. It wasn't
    until the regime's leaders knew our armed forces were on the way that
    they agreed to step down peacefully.
        Think for a moment where we would be today had we not acted and had
    General Shelton and the other members of our Armed Forces not performed
    their mission so admirably. The military regime would still be in power
    in Haiti, terrorizing the people there. Tens of thousands of refugees
    would continue to pose a threat to our region's stability. The march of
    democracy in the Americas would have suffered a severe setback. And the
    commitments of the United States in the international community would
    have proved empty.
        Instead, we kept our word. President Aristide, Haiti's freely
    elected leader, has returned to office. The parliament is functioning. A
    sense of security and hope has replaced the climate of fear. The private
    sector is beginning the job of getting back on its feet. The rebuilding
    process has begun. And clearly our region is more stable and secure.
        At the Summit of the Americas last week when we had 34
    democratically elected leaders from our hemisphere, I think no one would
    dispute the fact that the emotional highlight of the weekend was
    President Aristide's speech in three languages, expressing his gratitude
    to those who supported freedom and democracy in Haiti.
        General Shelton, your careful planning and your ability to adapt to
    a fast-changing situation were at the heart of our success in Haiti. The
    strong personal leadership, the steady hand, and the real determination
    that you, personally, conveyed to the military leaders of Haiti in the
    first days, from the first moment of your action there were, I know,
    absolutely critical to the success of this operation and to its
    peacefulness.
        First, we asked you to prepare an innovative, integrated invasion
    force, drawing on the special capabilities of each of our services.
    Then, when the regime agreed at the 11th hour to leave, you had to
    switch gears immediately, and to ready our troops for a soft entry into
    Haiti.
        On the ground, you have done a magnificent job of laying a secure
    foundation for the future. This has allowed 800 international police
    monitors from all around the world to work with an interim police force
    that is gaining the respect of the Haitian people. As a result, we've
    been able to draw down our own forces from 20,000 to about 6,000 at
    Christmas time. This number will soon decrease further as we transfer
    our mission in Haiti to the United Nations.
        Through your efforts, General, Haiti today is democratic and free
    and much more secure. The Haitian people themselves, of course, must
    meet the difficult challenges ahead. It will take time for rebuilding
    and progress, but now at least all Haitians have a chance to work for a
    better future for themselves and their children.
        The hand-painted signs we see in Haiti today say it all: Thank you,
    America. Today America says: Thank you, General. And thanks to the men
    and women of our military who served so well in Haiti.
        In a few moments I will be honored to award General Shelton the Army
    Distinguished Service Medal. But first I want to recognize the
    exceptional concern the General has also shown for the men and women
    under his command. I know that their safety and their well-being were
    always his first priority. And for that our Nation is also grateful to
    General Shelton.
        General, you requested that enlisted members from all our military
    branches join you today to receive the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
    on behalf of their respective services. The soldiers who stand before us
    are the finest of America's finest. Each also will be awarded an
    individual commendation for meritorious service in Haiti.
        I'd like to recognize them now: from the Coast Guard, Radioman 1st
    Class Charles Brown; from the Air Force, Staff Sergeant John McCormick;
    from the Navy, Senior Chief Operations Specialist Samuel Wood; from the
    Marine Corps, Sergeant Paul Panici; from the Army, Staff Sergeant Morris
    Jones; and from the Special Forces, Sergeant 1st Class Shannon Davis.
    Each of you has helped to prove once again that our military is the best
    prepared, the best equipped, the best trained, the most devoted and
    highly motivated military in the entire world.
        It is now my privilege to present all of you and General Shelton
    with your awards. Let our history recall that you answered the call of
    duty, you did your job, you advanced America's mission. Freedom and
    democracy are better as a

    [[Page 2192]]

    result. Haiti's long night of fear has given way to a new day of hope.

    Note: The President spoke at 2:47 p.m. in the Rose Garden at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to Adm. William A. Owens, USN, Vice
    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Lt. Gen. Henry H. Shelton, USA,
    commander of U.S. forces in Haiti; and General Shelton's wife, Lee.