20 April 1998
(Praises courage and resilience of that community) (240) Santiago, Chile -- President Clinton commemorated the third anniversary of the Oklahoma City terrorist bombing by praising that community for its "courage and resilience" that "has shown us all the full meaning of community." In an April 19 statement, the President called the bombing, the worst terrorist action in US history, "an attack, not just on the people, a city, a state, a nation but on what we stand for." Following is the White House text: (begin text) THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary (Santiago, Chile) April 19, 1998 STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT Three years ago today the people of Oklahoma City suffered the worst act of terrorism in our country's history. It was an attack, not just on the people, a city, a state, a nation, but on what we stand for, how we govern ourselves and the values we live by. During that time, we have worked to bring to justice those who were responsible for this crime. And during that time, all America has stood by the people of Oklahoma City as they have worked to rebuild their lives. Today, once again, our thoughts are with the families of the 168 people whose lives were tragically lost. Their courage and the resilience of Oklahoma City has shown us all the full meaning of community. (end text)