Bill Clinton

“ Their tragedy reminds us that while our world is abounding with opportunities for peace and democracy, it is also filled with danger and uncertainty. The threat of terrorism, both at home and abroad, continues to loom as wars and instances of ethnic and religious turmoil imperil our vision for a safer world. ”

“ By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
This holiday season, while we gather with loved ones, it is important to remember those innocents who can no longer celebrate with their families because of a cruel and senseless act of terrorism. Four days before Christmas in 1988, a bomb exploded aboard Pan American Airways Flight 103, killing its 259 passengers and crew, along with 11 people on the ground in Lockerbie, Scotland. Among the passengers from 21 different nations were 189 Americans who were never to see their families again. ”

“ We must remain ever vigilant if we are to combat merciless brutality and ensure the security of all of our citizens. My Administration is closely monitoring the terrorist threat in order to make the changes needed to create a secure future and to avert the kind of murderous tragedy that occurred in the skies over Scotland. ”