[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 29, Number 28 (Monday, July 19, 1993)]
[Pages 1320-1321]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial in Honolulu, Hawaii

 July 11, 1993

    Admiral Larson, ladies and gentlemen, it's a great honor for me to 
be here, not for the first time but for the first time as President, to 
honor the memory and the service of those who were killed 52 years ago 
on a Sunday morning like this in the service of their country. During 
December of 1941, Americans throughout our Nation were going about their 
business aware that much of the rest of the world was already embroiled 
in a conflict but hopeful that America would not be forced into it, that 
somehow by standing apart we might keep America's shores and our sons 
and daughters safe from the strife that had then engulfed much of the 
rest of the world.

    Much has changed since that fateful Sunday morning in 1941. The 
United States no longer faces the threat of an expansionist Germany or 
Japan. Indeed, I have just met with the leaders of those two nations and 
four others in an attempt to increase the prosperity and opportunity of 
all the peoples who live within our nations. The expansionist Soviet 
Union, which sprung up after the Great War, was dismantled in the 
failure of communism in the last few years. And at this same meeting in 
Tokyo, the new democratically elected President of Russia, Boris 
Yeltsin, came and talked to us about how together we might build a 
brighter and freer and more prosperous future for his people.

    Our closest friends now are those with whom we fought a half a 
century ago. And yet, it is still as clear now as it was then that the 
United States cannot disengage from the world. To be economically and 
physically secure, we must continue to be strong. In visits to Japan and 
to Korea I have reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to the 
security of our allies and friends in the Pacific, beginning with a 
continuing military presence made possible by the men and women who 
serve our Nation here at Pearl Harbor and throughout the region. As we 
honor those who gave their lives a half century ago, let us also honor 
those who guard our security today.

    I had breakfast with some of the young men and women of the Pacific 
Command this morning. And Admiral, I thank you very much for that 
opportunity. I was profoundly impressed by their energy, their 
discipline, their knowledge, their commitment, their willingness to do 
their jobs. I met with other members of our Armed Forces in Korea 
yesterday, including in the DMZ, where I was able to take the most 
forward position that any American President has ever enjoyed, standing 
on the Bridge of No Return about 10 yards from the dividing line which 
still separates us from what is perhaps the most anachronistic Communist 
regime remaining in the world.

    I believe more strongly than ever before that the world has never 
had a better fighting force than the men and women who serve in the 
military service of our country. We are all in their debt for their 
service and their dedication. We are all proud of what they do for us.

    So in the presence of this memorial to those who gave their all in 
1941, looking across the harbor at our magnificent fleet of 1993, let us 
resolve today to honor their sacrifice and their service by maintaining 
the best prepared and best equipped force in the world, always ready to 
meet any challenge, always worthy, and receiving our full support.

    Thank you very much.

Note: The President spoke at 10:15 a.m. In his remarks, he referred to 
Adm. Charles Larson, commander in chief, U.S. Pacific Command.

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