I want to thank the Friendship House for the leadership shown in being a true friend to our seniors.

May it find guidance and inspiration in the lessons of his long life so well lived.

Today we mourn the passing of a great American.

Every life is a lesson, but his life particularly so.

The freedoms we cherish, the peace we enjoy were sustained by his vision and his labors.

As long as we remain devoted to them, we will stay faithful to him and to the remarkable generation of Americans he helped to lead.

Romania is in full compliance with the freedom of emigration criteria of sections 402 and 409 of the Trade Act of 1974.

I recommend that the Senate give early and favorable consideration to the Protocol.

I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad.

I want to compliment the Senate on voting to reopen the Government today for the next several days while we attempt to finalize this.

I hereby order, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States of America by section 175 of title 36 of the United States Code, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff.

That's a very good sign, and I'm looking forward to the meeting tonight.

I'm looking forward to it, and I hope we can reach an agreement.

To Admiral Burke's wife of 72 years, Roberta, his family and friends, and to the Navy community, I extend my heartfelt condolences.

I benefited then from his wise counsel, as had previous Presidents before me.

We mourn the passing today of Adm. Arleigh A. Burke, U.S. Navy (Retired).

His dedicated and exceptional career is cherished by everyone who knew of his extraordinary courage, legendary reputation, and selfless service.

No one is happier to be here tonight than I am.