[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book II)]
[August 23, 1995]
[Pages 1262-1263]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks at a Memorial Service in Arlington, Virginia, for the American 
Diplomats Who Died in Bosnia-Herzegovina
August 23, 1995

    My fellow Americans, distinguished members of the diplomatic corps; 
most importantly, to the family, the friends, the colleagues, the loved 
ones of Robert Frasure, Joseph Kruzel, and Nelson Drew: Today we gather 
to honor three peacemakers who gave their lives seeking for others the 
blessings we Americans hold dear and too often take for granted, the 
opportunity to work and to dream, to raise our children to live and to 
love in a land of peace.

[[Page 1263]]

    When I named Robert Frasure Special Envoy to the Former Yugoslavia, 
a key United States representative in seeking solutions to modern 
diplomacy's most difficult challenge--ending the bloodshed and bringing 
peace in the Balkans--he had already made diplomacy the steady 
dedication of a lifetime. He earned, justifiably, a reputation as a man 
for all crises, and many, many people around this world from Ethiopia to 
Estonia have better lives because of his superb work.
    Joseph Kruzel put his mind to the test of creating lasting security 
in a world that has known too much war. Besides his outstanding work in 
Bosnia, he led the Pentagon's efforts on critical issues of NATO 
enlargement and the re-integration of Eastern Europe into the West after 
the cold war. His service to our country spanned 28 years, from an Air 
Force officer in Vietnam to work on SALT I to being a major force in 
bringing the nations of Europe into the Partnership For Peace. The world 
is a more secure place because of his dedication.
    Colonel Nelson Drew was a soldier, a scholar, a teacher, and a 
gentleman. He was trained to fight war. But in more than 20 years of 
service as an Air Force officer, he gave his heart and soul to the 
search for peace. He was largely responsible for investing the military 
and diplomatic initiatives of our Nation in Bosnia with a coherent 
design. And he was universally respected for his knowledge, his 
negotiating skills, his strategic thinking about the future of NATO and 
Europe after the cold war. The White House and the Nation are better for 
his service.
    Bob, Joe, and Nelson each represented the finest qualities of 
American citizenship. For their service and their sacrifice in the cause 
of peace and freedom, it is my honor on this day to award them each the 
President's Citizens Medal.
    Let me say to Katharina Frasure and Sarah and Virginia; to Gail 
Kruzel and John and Sarah; to Sandy Drew and Samantha and Philip; and to 
all your other family members here, the American people mourn your loss 
and share your grief. America is profoundly grateful for the work your 
husbands and fathers did to make the world a better place.
    I hope you will always remember, along with the personal memories 
you shared with me just a few moments ago, the pride they took in their 
calling and the passion they brought to the search for peace. And I hope 
that always, always, you will be very proud.
    They were extraordinary Americans who made reason their weapon, 
freedom their cause, and peace their goal. Bob, Joe, and Nelson were in 
Bosnia because they were moved by the terrible injustice and suffering 
there. And they were there because they believed it could and must be 
changed. The sorrow we feel here reminds us of the suffering Bob, Joe, 
and Nelson sought to ease there.
    So as we praise these men--Robert Frasure, Joseph Kruzel, and Nelson 
Drew, quiet American heroes who gave their lives so that others might 
know a future of hope and a land at peace--let us resolve to carry on 
their struggle with the strength, determination, and caring they brought 
to their families, their work, and their very grateful Nation.
    May God bless their memories and lift up their souls.

Note: The President spoke at 1:10 p.m. in Memorial Chapel at Fort Myer.