Bill Clinton

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

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

Since January 1995, 143 suspects have been arrested in connection with 107 fires at churches and other houses of worship.

We cannot walk alone.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

I want it to be over. I want it to be over. You know, the American people have given us larger responsibilities. I think in general, at least in my experience in my brief time here the last 4 years, way too much time and energy and effort…

I thought since you make so much more money than I do. [Laughter] Secretary Rubin. There is a point to that. [Laughter] The answer is that I think the accomplishments--or we think the accomplishments of Mexico have been enormous. President…

Do you want to answer that? [Laughter] Secretary Rubin. If the President is going to learn to do these things, then I'll answer your question. [Laughter]

America's commitment to religious tolerance has empowered us to achieve an atmosphere of understanding, trust, and respect in a society of diverse cultures and religious traditions.

I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, and I urge them to reaffirm their commitment to the principle of religious freedom.

Make no mistake: Anyone who brings violence against a woman trying to exercise her constitutional rights is committing an act of terror.

Our right to worship freely—each in our own way—is essential to our well-being.