    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [April 20, 2000]
    [Page 756]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 756]]

    Message to the Littleton, Colorado, Community
    April 20, 2000

        It is written in Scripture: ``Blessed are they that mourn, for they
    shall be comforted.'' Hillary and I are with you in the spirit of
    comfort and prayer as you gather to remember those who lost their lives
    one year ago today.
        You do not mourn alone. What happened in Littleton pierced the soul
    of America. Though a year has passed, time has not dimmed our memory or
    softened our grief at the loss of so many, whose lives were cut off in
    the promise of youth. It has not caused us to forget their gallant
    teacher--a man whose character and values brought so much strength to
    the school, sports teams, and community he served.
        Last year, in the midst of the heartbreak and devastation of the
    Columbine tragedy, we saw the American spirit at its best--in the
    spontaneous outpouring of support for the Littleton community and in the
    determination to prevent such tragedies in the future. Our hearts have
    not yet fully healed, but today America stands together as one to keep
    faith with all those who lost their lives at Columbine--and all those
    whose lives were forever changed that day. We must continue to honor
    their memory and your courage by resolving to make America a safer place
    for all our children.
        Hillary and I continue to keep all of you in our thoughts and
    prayers.

                                                                Bill Clinton