[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 16 (Monday, April 24, 2000)]
[Page 884]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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