This Federal effort must continue until all those responsible are brought to justice and no more fires burn.

The federal government can't prevent church burnings all by itself.

I think the President has shown particular leadership in using this as an opportunity to bring people together.

My greatest hope is that we as Americans will continue to find strength in our diversity.

We promised the President that we would make periodic reports about the progress of the task force.

The President's commitment to the success of this work is very, very genuine and very palpable.

That, too, is wrong, and we also must stop it.

We have investigated more than 300 arsons that have occurred since 1995.

Whatever the causes of the crimes, they offended every citizen who cherishes America's proud heritage of religious and ethnic diversity.

America is still a country that cares about its neighbors, a country that comes together in the face of common threats to defend the common ground of our values.

I am pleased to be able to recognize Bob Dole's record of achievement with the highest honor our Nation can bestow on a citizen, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

I call upon the people of the United States to observe this occasion with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

I ask each American to work with me to usher in a new era of hope, reconciliation, and fellowship among all our people—rich and poor, young and old, and men and women of every race.

The World War II Memorial will commemorate one of the great defining passages in our Nation's history.

This memorial will stand as a lasting tribute to what Americans can achieve when they work together.

Dr. King was a man of clear and powerful vision who offered an uncompromising message of brotherhood and hope at a time when violence and racial intolerance tore at the seams of our Nation.

We owe them and all the veterans of World War II a debt that can never be fully repaid.

We all have an obligation to reach out to one another—across the artificial barriers of race, gender, religion, class, and age—so that each member of our society shares fully in the promise of the American Dream.