07 May 1999
(Dedicates plaques to victims of Africa bombings) (690) By Charles W. Corey USIA Staff Writer WASHINGTON -- "The era of safe diplomatic posts is over for America. The unthinkable act of terrorism must become a risk we think about and act to minimize everyday," Secretary of State Madeleine Albright warned May 7. Albright and National Security Adviser Samuel R. "Sandy" Berger unveiled and dedicated two plaques commemorating those Americans and Foreign Service Nationals (FSNs) who died in the August 7 terrorist bombings of the U.S. embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Speaking on Foreign Service Day to family members, diplomats, senior government officials, and other distinguished guests present, Albright said "No ceremony can rewind history or undue events so terrible and real... But we do have the power...to offer our gratitude and respect and we have the power of memory to ensure that our comrades' sacrifice like that of those before them -- will forever be honored." The bombings, in which some 224 people perished, Albright recalled, "underscore the need for the Foreign Service and the entire foreign policy community to stand together. In good times and bad, in calm and crisis, we must support and help and look out for one another." Albright said she has been "advocating strongly" -- as per recommendations from the investigating Accountability Review Boards in the wake of the two bombings -- that security at U.S. embassies be upgraded. Much remains to be done, she said, adding that "Nothing I do is more important." Albright also lauded the efforts of the U.S. Foreign Service, stressing that it is comprised of "many of the finest professionals that I have ever had the privilege to work with. The turbulent events of the past year and your efforts throughout have only heightened my admiration. As I go to the Hill [the United States Congress] to argue our case [for funding and support], I make very clear that 'You' are on the front lines. 'You' are serving America as the first line of defense... "I have no higher calling then explaining to the American people and their representatives the importance of what you do, and providing the leadership to enable you to do it effectively," she said. Those who were "victimized" in the embassy bombings, Albright recalled, worked for a broad array of government agencies but still worked together as a team. That team spirit has carried over in the aftermath, she said. "Following the tragedy, we have worked together with the law enforcement and intelligence communities and we have been successful in apprehending some of the key suspects. We will not rest until those responsible -- all of those responsible are held accountable," she pledged. Albright reaffirmed America's commitment to the international community, making plain that "Despite a multitude of threats ...America will not withdraw from the world! That is what the terrorists want. But it will never, never happen." Berger read a proclamation sent by President Clinton marking the 75th anniversary of the modern Foreign Service and commemorating those Americans and Foreign Service Nationals who perished in the embassy bombings. Acknowledging that the "'pain of loss endures,'" the presidential proclamation extended "'heartfelt sympathies'" from both President Clinton and First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton. "'On this Foreign Service Day," the proclamation continued, "'the names of these brave Americans will be inscribed on plaques at the State Department so all who pass through there can recall their sacrifice and their service. In the proud history of this nation, their names will live forever.'" Following remarks by both Berger and Albright -- the colors were presented by a military honor guard and one bronze State Department plaque and a replica of another were unveiled. One plaque bears the names of all 56 Americans and Foreign Service Nationals who perished in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam. The replica of a second plaque, donated by the American Foreign Service Association, includes the names of eight "direct hire" Americans who gave their lives in Nairobi. "They were family and co-workers and friends, and will always be heroes," Albright stressed.