12/26/2000
https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu...
"Now, we are turning to face the challenges of a new century."
"Defending America's interests is difficult, dangerous work—and our men and women in uniform bear that burden every day."
"I thank the many Republicans and Democrats who have expressed strong support for our stand against this menace to global security."
"I was saddened to learn that one of our Marine Corps F/A-18 pilots, Lieutenant Colonel Henry G. Van Winkle II, lost his life yesterday in the skies over the Persian Gulf."