Obama Attends Ceremony For Libya Victims: ‘We Will Bring To Justice Those Who Took Them From Us’
On Friday afternoon, President Barack Obama spoke at the “dignified transfer” ceremony during which the remains of the Americans who were killed in the recent attacks in the Middle East were returned to the United States. Speaking of each of the four men individually, Obama again promised to bring justice — also asserting that American will not “retreat” from the rest of the world.
The president expressed condolences and gratitude for their service, beginning his remarks by quoting scripture: “Greater love hath no man than a man who lay down his life for his friends.”
Offering a brief tribute to each of the four men, including U.S. ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens, Obama ended each by saying the men were now “home.” Going on to speak more broadly, Obama observed that the incidents have caused “some to question this work.” While there is no doubt these are difficult days, he said, “even the most hopeful among us must wonder.”
He continued, describing Libyans who took to the streets with homemade signs, expressing their gratitude for the work Stevens and his colleagues did. “America is a friend,” Obama said. We care not just about our own country and interest, but also theirs.
“The United States of America will never retreat from the world,” Obama said. Addressing the families of those killed, he said, “Know this: Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. We will bring to justice those who took them from us.”
The president’s remarks below, via CNN:
