    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 17 (Monday, April 28, 1997)]
    [Page 551]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Letter to the Oklahoma City Memorial Foundation

    April 14, 1997

    Dear Friends:

        Our nation will never forget that tragic day, almost two years ago,
    when we first learned of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal
    Building in Oklahoma City, and we will always remember the courage shown
    by the citizens of your strong and united city during that dark time.
    All Americans continue to support your recovery efforts, and our prayers
    are with you.
        With the destruction of the Murrah Federal Building, we learned once
    again that America is a family, and that such a brutal attack on any
    American is an attack on us all. In uniting around the citizens of
    Oklahoma City, our nation proved once again that no force of hatred or
    terrorism can ever defeat the American spirit.
        I want to express my support for your efforts to establish a
    memorial on the site of the bombing. This memorial will be a fitting
    tribute not only to those who died, but also to those whose lives were
    changed forever on April 19, 1995. I know that, by honoring our fellow
    Americans in this way, we can help to further the healing and restore
    hope for a brighter, more secure future.
        Hillary and I will always remember the time we spent with the
    families and survivors. Please know that we are keeping them, and all
    the people of Oklahoma City, in our thoughts and prayers.
        Sincerely,
                                                William J. Clinton

    Note: This letter was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    April 19. An original was not available for verification of the content
    of this letter.