Sam Farr: “On April 3, 1996, the Department of Commerce suffered the greatest tragedy in its history when 35 people perished in a…”

“On April 3, 1996, the Department of Commerce suffered the greatest tragedy in its history when 35 people perished in a plane crash while conducting a trade mission to the Balkans. Ronald H. Brown, then Secretary of Commerce, was leading a delegation of private sector businessmen and government officials on a trade mission to seek ways to implement the civilian aspects of the Dayton peace accords through trade ties and investment opportunities. Secretary Brown and his staff were accompanied by a group of chief executive officers of major companies who agreed to help restore Bosnia's buildings, its water and energy systems, its tourism and its banking system. The goal of the trip was to start our U.S. commercial presence, to start economic reconstruction and to include U.S. companies in the development of the region. It was a mission of hope for the war torn region and an opportunity for American business. The members of the trade mission thought they would be able to use the power of the American economy to help peace take hold in the Balkans. Their quest was cut short on an unwelcoming mountain in Croatia. Today, the families of all of those victims of that crash gathered here in Washington to unveil a memorial, a memorial that is a lasting testimonial written by the families of those loved ones who were lost on that fateful day.”