    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [March 29, 1998]
    [Pages 471-472]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Videotaped Remarks for the Memorial Service in Jonesboro, Arkansas
    March 29, 1998

        Hillary and I wish we could be with you all as you remember and give
    thanks for the lives of Natalie Brooks, Paige
    Ann Herring, Stephanie Johnson, Britthney Varner, and
    Shannon Wright.
        Our prayers have been with their families and with all of you over
    these last few days. Every one of them made Jonesboro a better place.
    Every one of them had much to live for and much still to give. For now,
    you must all be thankful for the cherished memories you have.
        Like all of you, I do not understand what dark force could have
    driven young people to do this terrible thing. As President, I have seen
    many children killed by political fanatics, but in some ways, this is
    even harder to grasp. For now, all we can do is to pray for peace and

    [[Page 472]]

    healing for their families and for Jonesboro. And, indeed, we should
    pray for the families of the two young
    suspects, for their suffering, too, must be
    grievous.
        Saint Paul reminds us that we all see things in this life through a
    dark glass, that we only partly understand what is happening to us. But
    one day, face to face with God, we will see all things, even as He sees
    us.
        For four fine young girls and an outstanding teacher, that day has
    come. May God bless them, their families, and all of you.

    Note: These remarks were videotaped in the afternoon on March 28 in
    Johannesburg, South Africa, for the memorial service held on March 31 in
    Jonesboro, AR. They were released by the Office of the Press Secretary
    on March 29. A tape was not available for verification of the content of
    these remarks.