(26 May 1997) English/Nat
United States President Clinton marked this year's Memorial Day by calling on Americans to help build a democratic and peaceful Europe.
Continuing with Memorial Day tradition, Clinton laid a wreath at the "Tomb of the Unknowns" in Arlington National Cemetery in the capital - Washington DC
Thousands braved the rain at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday to remember those who sacrificed their lives for their nation.
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was amongst hundreds of servicemen participated in the ceremony - along with civilians from all over the country.
Following tradition, President Clinton laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns - home to the remains of an unidentified soldier from each world war, and the wars in Korea and Vietnam.
Following the wreath laying - Clinton addressed the crowd in the cemetery's amphitheatre.
He reminded his audience that Memorial Day means much more than a day away from work or school.
Clinton said the nation must remember the lessons of those who gave their lives in World War Two.
He also paid tribute to those who showed courage and resilience during the Cold War years.
And he urged this generation to build upon the legacy of the Marshall plan - the reconstruction programme that helped revive a devastated Europe after World War Two.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"Today our generation has been given a precious chance to redeem that sacrifice and service to build an undivided, democratic European continent at peace for the very first time in history,"
SUPER CAPTION: Bill Clinton, United States President
Much of Clinton's address was dedicated to George Marshall who is buried at Arlington Cemetery.
Marshall, Secretary of State under President Truman, inspired the post-war recovery plan.
Clinton urged Europe to work with America to complete the work that General Marshall's generation began.
He told the crowd that this generation's challenge is to bring security and prosperity to the new democracies in Europe - countries that were once on the other side in the Cold War.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"We must learn the lessons General Marshall and his generation left us. Their sacrifice and their spirit call upon us to seize this moment to shape the peace of the present for future generations - to turn the hope we share into a history we can all be proud of."
SUPER CAPTION: Bill Clinton, United States President
Clinton made his remarks hours before departing for France to sign a landmark Russian-NATO security pact - and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Marshall Plan.
He's also scheduled to visit the Netherlands and Britain.
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20 июл 2015
