relationship. the prime minister spent 18 years of his life in syria. when one talks to the prime minister about syria, you have to do it in a way that is respectful. >> thank you, mr. ambassador. senator? >> thank you, mr. chairman. ambassador, americans read the newspapers about attacks in iraq, and the question is raised in a common-sense way. after a withdrawal of our forces in the cities on june 30, what is the outlook of the ordinary iraqi citizen in the city's about his or her security? about their homes and neighborhoods? of in essence, there was rejoicing that we had fulfilled our commitment and that we did so, and yet even the people that we have tried to train and left

to provide this security seems to be inadequate. . and left provide the security seem to be inadequate for that task. granted, numbers of casualties are down. the number of attacks by any statistical measurement. but nonetheless, life has to go on in an ordinary way for people. with or without the united states. states. and your prognosis of the security arrangements iraqis are providing for themselves, and the perceptions of their citizens about that? >> yeah. i think with regard to perceptions, obviously, there are concerns among iraqi citizenry about the capability of their forces and their ability to handle a great security challenge, which their own government believes is not

just developed within iraq, but also has some foreign roots. so this is a major issue there. that said, i think the locust of opinion is that it is time for the iraqi forces to protect iraqis. and so the u.s. forces, which i do believe are the greatest fighting force the world has ever seen has also become the world's training force. there has been tremendous effort put into making sure the iraqis are able to manage this issue. we have a great deal of cooperation as we try to have transparency in what we know about the situation, and what they know. now, the iraqis will do things a little differently, and -- than the u.s. forces. and some of the things they do, and in our opinion ought to be changed. the question is, can you get them to change things by just telling them, or are they going to have to change things by the experience? one issue is checkpoints. do you have -- are checkpoints

alone enough to solve these problems, or do you have to be -- have much more aggressive patrolling, that sort of thing? i think these are things the iraqi forces are entirely capable of learning. you know, right after august 19th, there was a lot of finger pointing about did the police do enough, was the army doing enough, et cetera. i counsel that really this is not a time for finger pointing. there will be plenty of time for that in the future. what they really need to do is figure out how they can come together and do things better. there has been a lot of talk related to bringing down t-walls. i think, you know -- as anyone who has visited the foreign ministry and indeed i took some of your colleagues to see it, we realized that it wasn't just -- it's not an issue of t-walls. it was an issue of a very well-funded terrorist group with

very large truck platform carrying tons and thousands of tons of explosives doing damage to this in a way that i think for most americans to understand it, you would think back to oklahoma city. it was that type of agricultural chemical based weapon. so my own judgment is that the iraqi forces and indeed the iraqi government is going to be challenged very much in the coming months. i also am of the judgment that they will learn from these terrible events, and will make the adjustments they need to make. i don't think this is a -- this is a function of the fact that somehow if we turned it over to them a year from now or two years from now, the issue would be much different. i think they have to simply learn, and i think they are doing that. there are some very capable people in the iraqi security forces.

>> let me ask the follow-up to that about the security of american personnel. you have indicated a thousand people are in iraq in a diplomatic situation. but these news accounts would indicate many more persons, americans, are in iraq, still completing various projects. what security do your personnel have, or the people doing the projects, and how much security is going to be required in this period of time we now have to get all of the equipment and infrastructure, whatever we have in iraq, out of iraq? it must be a huge deployment withdrawal situation you're looking at, not just to people, but of all of these goods and armaments. how is that proceeding? >> well, senator, i think the -- the military is working the logistics very well of how they

will get their personnel and equipment out of iraq, what roots they will use, how they will protect the force. as a humble american ambassador, i really don't think i can give any advice to general dierno on this matter, except to say that as a general statement, let me say that the environment in iraq continues to be very dangerous. and if you just measure progress in iraq by the degree of danger, i think it's very much in the interests of terrorists and insurgents to create the impression that it's extremely dangerous, and therefore, there has been very little progress. we believe that we have adequate security to protect our civilians. when i go out, i go out and very much reinforce convoys. i must say, as a personal observation, when you arrive there and look at the number of people that have to be moved when i need to go from point a

to point b, you think to yourself, do i really need to go from point a to point b.? can i do this on the phone or something? but soon, you realize that if you allow yourself to be -- to be -- just motivated by, you know, worrying about how many people are moving when you're moving, you won't be able to get your job done. so a lot of security people are moved whenever diplomats are, you know, move around the country. we find it absolutely essential to get into the so-called red zone. i say so-called, because outside the green zone is the rest of the country, known as the red zone. but we need to be out there. it is not without risk. we have lost people in the embassy. we may lose people in the future. we believe it's the right approach. we take all precautions. no one is interested in doing anything against the precautions of our security people. so it's a very tough environment. i must say, arriving there, realizing the difficulty of just

getting from the airport to embassy, we are all very struck by it, but we're not going to give into it. we're going to get our job done. we're going to get the iraqis to stand this place up. and when our people leave, they will leave with a sense of a job accomplished. that's what we're going to do. >> thank you, sir. >> thank you, senator luger. senator feingold. >> thank you, ambassador hill. thank you for being here today. i would like to thank the chairman for holding this important hearing. i'm extremely pleased that we finally have a timetable for ending our involvement in the war in iraq. and while i'm concerned that the re deployment is not being done as promptly as it should be, this step will allow us to refocus on the global threat posed by al qaeda. i remain convinced that foreign occupations are usually not a good strategy for combatting a global terrorist network. we need to find ways to relentlessly pursue al qaeda while simultaneously developing long-term partnerships with legitimate local actors and doing so through a civilian

diplomatic and development of efforts that do not involve a massive military footprint. and now as we transition out of iraq, it is extremely important that we focus on making this an orderly withdrawal and do everything we can to promote reconciliation need today bring lasting peace to iraq. as to many some questions, how do the iraqi people about the redeployment of troops at the end of 2011, as currently required? is there a danger that any indication that we're backing away from that commitment would be greeted with strong opposition? >> i think the date of december 2011, august 2010, these were agreed with the iraqi government, and at the end of 2008, i think any -- any indication that we were not prepared to live with these dates would be very poorly

received by the iraqi people. indeed, we saw this in the -- in the movement out of the cities and june 30th, 2009. whenever we tried to discuss that in in terms of nuances, immediately the iraqi media, iraqi public got concerned that somehow we were looking for ways not to accomplish that. in the end, we did exactly what we said we would do, which is we pulled our people out of the cities. and i can it really has established a reservoir of trust that when you reach an agreement with the americans, you can take it to the bank. so i think it's very important to live up to these agreements and i think the iraqi people, even though they do have, you know, great concerns about security, i think they -- they want to be responsible for their -- seeing their country responsible for their own security.

as i said earlier, i think these will be difficult moments ahead, but these are -- these will be nonetheless iraqi moments to handle, and i think they will -- they will deal with this. we are dealing with a very -- you know, some very competent people there, very intelligent people, and they will know what to do. >> thank you for that answer. the iraqi government tends to hold a nationwide referendum on the bilateral status of forces agreement and while there's been a lot of speculation about how this could impact a redeployment timetable, i would like to also point out that both the iraqi parliament and the iraqi people will have had a chance to vote on the agreement, even though the u.s. senate has not. can you assure us that any potential modifications to the security agreement will be submitted to the senate for ratification? >> the issue of senate ratification goes beyond my writ, but i will certainly take that question to the state department and get you an

official answer on that. i can give you my personal opinion -- >> would you, please? >> that you would not want to be changing this -- we would not engage in changing this security agreement without considerable consultation. but as for the actual relationship between the senate and the executive on this, i would like to defer to our lawyers at the state department. >> well, thank you for that answer and i look forward to further comments on that after you've done that. the recent revelations about gaps and security at the kabul industry continue to raise questions about discipline. in order to provide adequate security for our missions, do you think it would be preferable to have the military provide security for the u.s. embassies in war zones, which would ensure that we have a legally binding command and control over such personnel? >> you know, i believe our military has been tasked with a

lot. and this is one where, when we talk about security personnel in an embassy, this is one where chief of mission ought to take this. and i believe that these contractors who report to mission elements, who in turn report to me that we have adequate control and what i can assure you is that i will do my best to make sure we don't have incidents. incidents do happen. they happen everywhere. they happen every institution. but i can assure you that we do a lot to try to ensure that they don't happen. and i would rather not task the military with still another mission. >> thank you. according to the department states inspector general, there is no plan in place for transition to a diplomatic presence in iraq, and we're therefore not adequately prepared for a military's redeployment. in response, the state department indicated it has produced a unified transition plan which was under review. when can we expect to see a

final approved transition plan to ensure our diplomatic operations remain uninterrupted, and is the embassy jointly producing a plan with the department of defense in order to enhe sure that the transition is well-coordinated? >> we are working very closely with our colleagues at nmfi on a daily basis and we have stood up an entire planning cell at the american embassy and our political military section under ambassador cameron munter who deals on a daily basis on this. we also have a campaign plan and work through it really on a daily basis. we know the absolute responsibility we have in the state department to ensure that the gains that have been achieved by our men and women in uniform are not lost. i mean, that we pick up, we take the ball when they give it to us, and we're ready to move with it. so we will -- we have have an overall campaign.

we have planning for how we take over functions like police training. i am sure we can share many of those with the committee. >> is there a plan that is under review that we will be able to see? when will we be able to see that? >> you will be able to see the joint campaign we worked out with the military. i am not sure about the other. i will get back to you. >> thank you, mr. chairman. it is good to have you back. thank you, mr. ambassador, for your service. typically, we would have witnesses from the state department, armed services, the military. i want to follow up on some of mr. feingold's questions. the taking down to 50,000 troops is a pretty big logistical feat. i know we will stay manned up

until after the elections and then soon be down to 50,000. are you comfortable that the plans are being set in place to make that happen? >> i am very comfortable. i have spoken o to hav to spokenodierno on this. he has been talking to some of the best planners available on this. they will stay through the general election and then start ramping down in the spring. his planners are working on this carefully. >> the amount of hardware on the ground which shock most people who have not seen the billions of dollars of equipment that is there. what is going to be the outcome of that? to me, that is an even greater logistical issue, as to how we

move all of the hardware out of the country, where is it planning to go? can you give us some insights there? nning to go at this moment, could you give us some insights there? >> well, again, i have to defer to my colleagues in the military, but i can tell you, there's some 2 million pieces of hardware in that country. it is simply extraordinary. vehicles, generators, things like that. what you're discussing -- what you're asking, though, is a subject of ongoing planning by our military to see which things are worth carrying all the way back to the states, which might be left for civilian use as we take over military roles such as -- i keep mentioning police training, but that's one of the most obvious, because it's one of the biggest. so the question is whether there's some hardware on that -- on the military side that could be transferred to the civilians. we're looking at that issue. there's, of course, the issue of the iraqi army, and what

equipment would be appropriate to be transferred to them. and then whether there's any other regional contingency for that equipment. i am not, though, the one to talk about how the hardware belonging to the military should be -- should be divided. but i can assure you that there is very active discussion, especially within mnfi, other military planners, on how to do that. >> one can't help but when you sit and talk to our leaders there, realize that there's really no way that iraq as a country, even with the amount of oil that they have and the revenues that will be generated there, there is no way in the short term they can sustain themselves budgetly. with the troops, the police, the reconstruction necessary. wondering if you might talk to us a little bit about how long you think it's going to be into the future that we as a country are supporting iraq financially.

>> yeah. senator, i think that's a very fair question. iraq needs to stand up a lot more revenue. and in particular, they are -- they have only in august of this year reached 2 million barrels a day of oil exports. this is the holder of the third largest oil reserves in the world, 115 trillion barrels of oil on the ground. i think they have to do a lot better job of getting the oil sector to start pumping this out, which is why earlier we were discussing this issue of the bids and the fact that they gave to british petroleum for negotiation a field called ramadi in the south. if that goes well, ramadi will get something over the next five years. and i think that's kind of the time frame, to answer your question. within this five-year period, we should be looking at, just from

that field, they should be able to get up to maybe on the order of 1.7 million barrels a day. put that together with two, that's almostdug7t&)ñ doubling exports. so in time frame, i would say in the next three to five years, they should be able to substantially increase their exports, and therefore, their funding. >> but not to support themselves as a country. >> no. i think they can. i think if they are -- you know, they have an enormous supply of oil. and i think if they start getting that out of the ground, and if assuming oil prices are what they are, iraq should be able to pay their own bills. there is no question, they should be able to pay their ownu bills. what they have to do is get over the notion and it's a notion that is -- goes beyond or before saddam hussein, it goes into the 1950s, it goes maybe into -- into the british occupation in the '20s and '30s, this notion

that they don't want assets to be turned over to foreigners to be developed. so they have to get over that. there is a good sign in june when british petroleum was invited to be in this field. they're going to do additional bids later this year. and we're hopeful this will result in substantially increased oil. i mean, remember, this is the third -- third-largest reserves in the world. no reason they cannot pay their bills. >> i noticed last night when the president spoke that he continues to compare himself very favorably to the previous administration. especially as it relates to budget issues. which, by the way, on budget issues, i very much am glad that that's the case. is it your feeling, then, that they will continue the pattern of not asking for any moneys for iraq in supplementals, but it will be done per normal budget

request, and through normal appropriations? >> again, how moneys are requested, either through supplementals or through the normal budget process is a set of decisions that goes beyond my writ in baghdad. i have enough problems in baghdad. but what i can tell you is that we need certain funding for our operations in baghdad. we need funding for the various programs we're doing. and it's the usual push and pull, but i believe we're getting what we need in order to get the job done. and another thing i can assure you is we're really going to be vigilant on what -- how that money is spent. i've taken -- we have an ambassador who came out there named patricia haslack, and i put her in charge of all of these assistance matters, so that everything comes to her. and we are looking to see whether these things are working, whether the iraqis really are using them. and if not, we're going to cut them. >> my time is up. and i know my colleague from

maryland is next. i do hope in writing after this, you'll potentially give us an update on where the u.n. sanctions issues are as it relates to iraq. i mean, obviously, the sanctions were put in place in 1991. the great work you're doing has caused iraq to be a very, very different country, as have many others. i mean, there's been huge sacrifice by many folks. that's inhibiting iraq's progress, and i just would love to have a written update as to what is happening to change that. because my time is up. and, again, thank you for your service. >> senator, that is one of my favorite subjects. and i would be happy to be in in touch with you on that. >> thank you, senator corker. senator cardan. >> everybody, we have a vote, i think, in ten minutes or so. maybe another round, if people want to have, so we'll see where we are. >> well, thank you, mr.

chairman, ambassador hill, always a pleasure to be with you. and thank you again for your service in iraq. i've talked to you before about the issues of the iraqi refugees, and displaced persons, significant numbers still living in jordan, and syria. and certainly a lot are no longer living where they used to in iraq. can you just bring us up to date as to what the iraqi government has been doing in regards to the refugee issues? what's happening in the neighboring countries? and whether we are actively involved in trying to encourage more activities in regards to the refugees? it. >> senator, we are very much actively involved, first of all, in terms of internally displaceded people, there has been progress in getting people back to their homes. it's often not an easy process, because you have you to often evict people from homes before you can bring the original homeowners back. i will tell you, though, very frankly, that the progress on

refugees, some 1 million or 1.5 million refugees who are mainly in jordan and syria, that progress in those areas is inadequate. we have named a special coordinator to deal with this on the washington end. i have an extremely capable refugee coordinator in the embassy in baghdad. who -- who has a lot of experience in this. mark strella and we need from the iraqis a similar commitment to bringing these refugees home. the iraqis often tell us that there are no barriers, they can simply come home. we believe more needs to be done to make sure that they feel welcomed and feel safe. so i can assure you, this is a real priority, because these refugees who are -- who are in places like syria, and jordan, are not having an easy time of

it. it is costing everyone money, and we would like to get them home. i have raised this with the iraqi government, and i will continue to raise this. there's one very specific thing, which is they have agreed to name an interagency coordinator, because this can't just be dealt with in their ministry of immigration. they need to have a more interagency process. they have agreed to do this. and i think we're going to really hold them to it. >> well, thank you. i've had the chance to visit with some of the iraqi refugees in both syria and in jordan. and you're absolutely right. there is a concern on safety issues on return. there are more complications than just being able to return to iraq itself, and it does require the attention the iraqi government. and it's one of of the areas that i've had great concern as to whether they're giving a high enough priority to this issue. i know they're concerned about it, but i would just urge you to

continue to press for progress. this is a humanitarian issue, and one that needs to be dealt with by iraq if it's going to be able to move forward in governing its people. >> senator, i completely agree with you. another element of this is a lot of these refugees are precisely the kinds of skilled people that iraq needs back in the country. so it's not just that the refugees need to get back. iraq needs these people back. so with your permission, i would like to take your comments right back to the iraqi government, and stress the fact that this is a major issue back here in washington, that we look at this issue very closely. the u.s. is very much engaged in helping refugees throughout the world, and we expect our partners to be similarly engaged in this. >> could you give us a little bit more detail as to what is happening between syria and iraq, since the august bombings? whether there is diplomatic communications and progress being made between the two

countries, whether the united states has a role to play in this or not, and just fill us in a little bit more as to how you see the august bombings affecting the ongoing relationship between iraq and syria. >> well, there is no question that it affected the ongoing relationship. on august 18th, the day before the bombing, prime minister maliki was in it damascus for the first time in many months, and they signed some economic agreements, and they actually agreed to make some progress. so that was actually probably the high point. a day later, there was a bombing, and two bombings in baghdad, of course, and within days, the iraqi government expressed very public concern about -- about syria's role. i think -- and as that has happened, the ambassadors have been recalled. there is dialogue that is -- there are diplomatic communications, and as you know, turkey has attempted to try to do some mediation. but i think there needs to be --

there needs to be further work in terms of syria needs to understand the depth with which the iraqis consider the fact that the syrians have given refuge to senior members of the baath party who are very much dedicated to a violent change in iraq. this is very much something that the iraqis worry about. we have been concerned in the past about the flow of foreign fighters from -- through syria. this has diminished in recent years, but it has not stopped. so it is important for us to see this situation calm down. but i would like to make a broader point, which is what the iraqis were saying is that the -- some of the problems of terrorism that they are encountering, including these mammoth bombs that were really sort of oklahoma city-like, were

bombs that could not be done just by people within the country. there is foreign influence. åv@ 'e @ @ @ @ @ @ @ >> they sent a letter to the secretary general. the point the iraqis are making is that the issue goes beyond iraqi and that they need neighbors to step up on this, including syria. i think one of the real tests or questions for the region is this. can a region that is dominated by sunni governments make room for an arab state that will probably have a shia-led government? are they prepared to do that? a shiia-led

government. are they prepared to do that? this is a change in the equation. sad am was very much a sunni. so when we look at some of the influences in iraq, we have to be, number one, concerned about iran, because they have been very much present in iraq in a very ma levient way, and we also have to be concerned about some of the sunni countries, where there has been some evidence to suggest that they have been funding some of the terrorism in iraq. >> i think -- mr. chairman, i think we would be interested in finding out as much information as we can as to syria's role in regards to iraq. it's not unique to iraq, our concerns about syria and transport for -- and support for terrorism. and i think it would be important for us to be kept informed as to what we determine syria's role was in regard to the august bombing. >> okay. >> thank you, senator cardin. the vote has started, but i want to try to ask a few more questions before we have to

break out here. do we have more? first of all, with respect to the relationship that senator cardin just referred to, the sunni neighborhood, which is the most -- you know, the majority of the neighborhood, i'm concerned about what you've said, and can you be more specific a little bit about where these pockets of tension with respect to the relationship in the sunni world are coming from, and how serious is that as we go forward with less and less american presence there. >> well, i think what we want to be concerned about, or what we want to avoid!rsñis the situati

where countries think that -- or equate the withdrawal u.s. troops with the withdrawal of u.s. interests in the region. and -- i'm sorry, withdrawal u.s. interests in iraq. we would like to stand up a long-term relationship with iraq. we want to be very active with iraq. we have invested heavily in iraq, in it every way. and so we want to be very, very much there. and what we -- and if there is a perception in the neighborhood that somehow the u.s. has lost its strategic interest in iraq, we could have a sore of a new great gain going on, where neighbors, including and especially iran, but also sunni states as well, see somehow that iraq is sort of up for -- up for grabs. and so that's what we are mainly concerned about. now, iran -- >> are you saying, though, that

that is the current sunni perception? is. >> i think it is a perception among some sunni countries. i don't want to name names here, but i do believe that some sunni countries believe that somehow it's an aberration that there is a shiia-led government there, and somehow in january it will  flip back, and they just need to be patient or need to show a little more effort to try to get the sunni parties to be better funded and somehow they could emerge victorious with a split iia community. so my point is, there is a perception in iraq that they should be subject to this kind of process of neighbors trying to influence the outcome of elections. i think that would be very dangerous. and i think it's very much a perception that we need to tamp down, especially with other countries in the region. we need to convince countries in

the region that the answer to iranian mischief is not sunni mischief. the answer to iranian ma levy lens is to be openly engaged in iraq and help iraq through a difficult time. in our view, strong iraq is essential to the region. >> what are you worried about the most in the context of the draw-dawn? next april to august, we will draw down ostensibly some 80,000 troops. the election takes place in january, it may be they don't have a government set up by the time that drawdown takes place. >> well, i worry about precisely that issue. that is, i feel the real threats are not necessarily security, because i think in the long run, the iraqis figure out -- will be able to figure out security. i worry about developing the political rules of the game, and what i don't want to see is a -- an election that results in six

months of government formation during which there's really a loss of some of the progress that has been made. so i worry that it will take a long time to form a government after january. >> do you pick up any whisperings and/or discussions in back rooms or privately to you of an expression of fear about the potential of a greater flow of power to prime minister maliki and even a greater grab of power and the potential for a de-democratization in some effect? >> well, senator, in the privacy of this hearing room, i will say that indeed, when you talk to iraqis, we are in an election period. and there are very strong maliki across the board. and if you listen to all those opinions, and that's really our job in the embassy, to understand what people are

thinking. yes, you will hear the opinion that you've just expressed. now, you'll also hear the opinion that because prime minister maliki's government was put together with great care after a great deal of -- of political horse trading, that he has a situation that some of his ministries and in his view are not loyal to him or not functioning. and so he ends up appointing people around him in the prime minister's office to do essentially what are ministerial functions because he needs to get the job done. and often -- this is a country where ministries often deal with just providing basic services. that sort of thing. so you hear other people say that he needs to get these things, he needs to bring these people around him in order to get the job done. >> and what has been the impact -- unfortunately, we're going to have to cut off, because i've got to go over to vote. but what has been the impact of impact of the passing of the

power person at the center? >> well, it is too early to tell at this point. i went down to the itski funeral, and it was trequite extraordinary because thousands of people were gathered around the mosque area, but it is too early to tell, but itski is looking to be a major player there the elections and they were the first to try to form a coalition, and it looks like his son is going to be taking over for the time being. and we have to see how they do in the elections. >> well, mr. ambassador, we do have some additional questions, and the last thing i want to do is to burden you with a lot of written record, but if you will permit us, there are a few things that we would like to make sure that our part of the record, so we will submit those to you. >> sure. >> and i will leave the record open until next week for the

purposes of any other senators who have questions that they need to submit. we are very grateful to you. i know it is a long way to travel and i thank you for switching your schedule with the house to comply with our needs here. and the same thing we said to you as we sent you off in confirming your nomination for this we think you are the right person for the job. we are grateful you are there. it is tough. and i think that a lot of the questions that have been asked today, you know, may still be open-ended. and i think that you know that, too. we look forward to working with you, and again, look forward to being out there at some time in the near future to get a look at things. thank you for the job ru doing, and thank all of our embassy personnel there and the military personnel, because it is not forgotten here. we know they are there and we care enormously about the outcome, and i appreciate what you said today about the need to

secure the gains, and make sure that the sacrifices to greatest degree that we can were made for a purpose that we are still fighting for. so we thank you for that. >> thank you. >> we stand adjourned. >> thank you. [captioning performed by national captioning institute] [captions copyright national cable satellite corp. 2009] >> up next, angela merkel addresses parliament. the commemoration of the 9/11 attacks begins with a pentagon

ceremony and a memorial service. >> on monday, a discussion on the role of white house czars in the obama administration. then, a discussion on the five- week series with chuck hawkins. also, a look at the response one year later to the collapse of lehman brothers with the chairman of the commodities futures trading commission. later, a discussion on who runs gov.com that is live at 7:00 a.m. eastern. earlier this month, a german nato commander ordered an air strike in afghanistan on two air tankers under taliban control. nato launched an investigation after early reports that the strike killed civilians. next, chancellor and angela merkle is that -- next, german

chancellor angela merkel speaks to german parliament. [applause] >> last friday, the heaviest combat between our troops and the taliban took place in the framework of the isap mission. there are contradictory reports about what happened, especially about civilian victims. we will not be able to clear that up this morning. from the outset, and in all clarity, i will say that any innocent death in afghanistan is one too many. [applause]

we mourne every single one, every innocent wounded is one too many. i deeply regret the innocent dead and wounded. i grieve along with their family members. i also mourned for the victims caused by german actions. to me, it matters. today, as chancellor, in this great house, i can tell this to the afghan people. i think i can also say this in your name. [applause] afghanistan, this wounded country, deserves a more peaceful future. this is our hope.

we will study friday's events as if in a test tube. all details will be visible. we will ask all of the fundamental questions that have been on the table since the beginning of our commitment in afghanistan. it is right and necessary for us to debate this today. as german chancellor, let me state the following. first, the complete inquiry into last friday's attack is for me the duty and goes without saying, as well as for the whole government. we will do this with all of the means at our disposal. i cannot and will not pre-judge today the outcome. there will not be any whitewash. i also guaranteed that i will not accept any premature and judgment.

[applause] i have heard many rumors in the last few days. i will not take it for this current -- from this country nor from abroad. [applause] i have spoken about just this with the nato secretary. i have been very frank with him. for me, the defense ministry and the government will have a thorough assessment of the attack. it is absolutely important. it will be based on all of the facts, open and actionable. second, the mission with our nato partners in afghanistan is necessary.

it contributes to the international security, world peace, and protect the lives of german citizens from the evil of international terrorism. it was the reason for the mission at the beginning and still is. the afghan government agreed than and still agrees with it. we know how many afghani citizens and begged us not to have them fight the taliban alone. [applause] third, the second presidential election in afghanistan marks the beginning of a new quality stage in its relations with the international community. we must take decisions about the

next steps, decisions that would have been taken even without friday's events. with this second presidential election, afghanistan must start the beginning of a takeover of responsibility. with bro s sarkozy and prime minister brown, the time has come to talk to the new afghan government about a takeover of responsibility that is measurable. therefore, we propose to the u.n. secretary general that we call a conference before the end of this year in order to take stock of the situation and of the perspectives of our afghan policies. i also expect guidance from this conference by the political --

about the political and economic reconstruction of the country. it will have to be clear about the afghan and responsibilities to fight crime, corruption, and the drug trade. [applause] besides, the conference call will have to draw clear goals for the new afghan government in terms of the rule of law and human rights. above all, the conference show gives numbers and distribute tasks for the afghan armed forces. that includes a schedule. the conference will have to tell us the best way to adopt local conditions in our engagements and how to gain the partnership

of the different local leaders. in other words, france, great britain, and germany expect to create conditions at this conference that will allow a responsible takeover strategy in all responsibility. i insist that our top political priority is and remains an afghanistan that can take care of its own security, and afghanistan that is able to prevent its soil from becoming the nest for international terrorism once again. within the next five years, the life of our new afghan compound, we must see substantial and

qualitative progress. this will allow a withdrawal step-by-step of international troops. that is what i mean when i talk about a responsible takeover strategy. these words are linked one with the other. responsible takeover to strategy, then we will have reached our goal. from the outset, our commitment in afghanistan has been a mix of economic development and security. we are convinced that we cannot have one without the other. both are intrinsically linked. that is why the federal government has set up a comprehensive program reconstruction and development programs. from infrastructure to police training. we owe it largely to the german government that all our nato

partners now share this conviction. at the beginning, the bundeswer was made fun of quite often. they called us " water boy. today, our blended policy has reached a consensus among allies. it is the long-lasting success of our german policy. for this, i thank all those who contributed, the government, the defense minister, the interior minister, and the development minister. this was in collaboration with the international community. the people of afghanistan in difficult circumstances were able to vote. this showed great courage. they demonstrated their

commitment to peace, unity, and democracy. they deserve our respect. we have not closed our eyes on the circumstances surrounding the elections. the audit led by the electoral commission is vital. the mere fact that it exists is proof already of the progress accomplished by afghanistan. [applause] fifth, from the outset, we have insisted with our partners that the entire region be involved in the process. the german foreign minister of early on met with the afghan and pakistani governments. it has become part of the international strategy. the road to our goal is and has

always been mutual trust, trust between the afghans and coalition troops, trust between the afghan government and friendly countries, and an increasing trust among afghanis about their capacity to handle their own affairs. equally important for me, i expect german citizens to trust that their government and parliament are doing all in their power to secure the security of the country. this will be done with great care and the strictest assurance that the chosen route is the right one. mr. speaker and ladies and gentlemen, i have said it from the outset. the circumstances of friday's

air attack will be studied as if it were in a test tube. there will be full visibility. we will answer all the questions linked to our presence in afghanistan. i will even go further. the three basic principles of our german foreign policy will be put to the test. the principles have existed since the foundation of the federal republic. germany is committed to peace in the world. it is in the preamble of our constitution. germany is a real democracy. we protect our citizens, their life, and their goods with all legal means. [applause] germany has clear alliances and partnerships in this world.

a german going alone solution is no option in our policy. the task of any leadership is to turn these three principles into reality. this is one of our heaviest tasks because in the end, it has to do with the protection of life. when we commit, there's also the risking of lives. make no mistake about it, doing nothing would cost us just as much as acting. [applause] anyone who entertains the thought of a withdrawal of germany from the fight against

international terrorism, especially in afghanistan, it should think about it. let us never forget the circumstances that led my predecessor in my own government to afghanistan. it is because the taliban- controlled afghanistan had become the cradle that gave birth to 9/1 one. -- to 9/11. friday will be the eighth anniversary. other attacks followed 9/11, including in europe, especially in madrid and london. germany is also a target. the game was discovered just in time. the consequences of their project would have horrific consequences. let us not confuse the causes. our mission in afghanistan is a response to terror, not the opposite. [applause]

the mission of the bundeswer was and is in the most pressing interest of our security. it rests on the decisions of the security council of the united nations. since 2002, this mission has been vetted by all citizens. it has also been vastly supported by parliament. also, it is extraordinarily important for our troops. let me thank all of you for this decision including you and the minority, you have endorsed this responsibility. our boys and girls in uniform are risking their lives in this mission.

we must thank them and also our police officers who are training their counterparts. [applause] mr. speaker, ladies and gentlemen, germany's action on the basis of the three principles opens for us the possibility to make afghanistan a stabler and more independent partner in the fight against international terrorism who will no longer have to rest on its population. it is one of the toughest international challenges of our time. to face it is my goal and the goal of the federal government. it is the current task of the federal government. therefore, i am asking all of you for support now and in the future.

[applause] >> next, coverage of the eighth anniversary of the september 11 attacks with the pentagon ceremony and a congressional service. then, a memorial service for walter cronkite. later, senator bingaman talks about health care legislation. >> on monday, a discussion on the role of white house czars in the obama administration. then a discussion on the associated press'five-week

series. also, a look at the response one year later to the collapse of lehman brothers with the chairman of the commodities futures trading commission. later, a discussion on who runs gov.com . . >> [bell tolls]

[horn salute] [horn salute]

>> following the moment of silence the president traveled to the pentagon to joined defense secretary robert gates for a ceremony marking the anniversary. also participating, admiral michael mullen. this is 20 minutes. >> please direct your attention to the pentagon memorial flagpole in honor of patriot day and in remembrance of those 184 lives lost at the pentagon. the national anthem. ♪

♪

>> ladies and gentlemen, admiral michael mullen. >> mr. president, madam first lady, secretary gates, distinguished visitors, good morning and welcome. i offer a special welcome to the loved ones of those who died or were injured in the attack on the pentagon september 11, 2001. we're here to reflect and remember, but who among us can ever forget where we were, what we saw, how we felt as citizens and as a nation? i myself remember though shudder and the smoke, the shipmates i lost. and how the whole world changed that day. as americans we share a common sorrow for the 184 lives that

ended here and for all those who perished in new york and somerset county, pennsylvania. some young, some not so young, all taken from us, stolen right before our eyes and well before their time. our grief is real and warranted. but if i may, let me urge that we look upon this day not only with sorrow, but also with hope for the future that those we honor wanted us to have, and gratitude for the life they wanted us to live. let us face the future with the same resolve our men and women in uniform is a bit, the same courage with which they serve -- they exhibit, and struggled to make sure another daylight that never happens again.

america has sent forward her armed forces with that task. they stand for you and for each other. more than 1 million of them have been listed after 9/11, because of 9/11. they volunteered to defend their country, to fight for something bigger than themselves. from afghanistan to iraq and 1000 other places they're doing just that and doing it magnificently. they are supported by extraordinary families who work and worry and wait, and who serve every bit as much. all of them know the stakes. all of them know that the people behind the nine-11 attacks -- the 9/11 attacks of hurting others, that al qaeda and extremist allies would like

nothing better than to strike us again. eight years of war has changed our troops and families, but has the best of them. indeed it is difficult to describe the selflessness icy when i visit them in the field and fleet, in hospitals and your home. rather than reach for words i do not possess, i will turn to those of the poet william ernest henley which i believe speak best for what they believe about the meaning of this day -- in the fell clutch of circumstance i have not winced, nor cried aloud. under the blood janine's of chance my head is bloody, but unbowed. beyond this place of wrath and tears looms but the horror of

the shade and yet the menace of the years finds, and it shall find me afraid. mr. president, ladies and gentlemen, the men and women of the military stand before you, mournful of the loss, respectful of our duty, but absolutely not afraid of the task before them and of the minister of these years -- the of menace of these years. please join me in a moment of silence and reflection. >>thank you. ladies and gentleman, the

secretary of defense, the hon. robert gates. >> mr. president, madam first lady, distinguished visitors, and above all family and friends, good morning, and thank you for being here today. on september 11, 2001 the pentagon, world trade center, and the field and pennsylvania absorptive the first foreign- based major attacks on the west since the war of 1812. david lloyd george of the u.k. speaking during the opening months of world war i said, the stern hand of fate has scourged us to an elevation where we can see the everlasting things that matter for a nation. the great peaks we have forgotten of honor, duty, patriotism c,,lad in glittering white, the towering pinnacle of sacrifice. and like a ragged figure to the

heavens. today we honor the dead and speak to the survivors and loved ones whose lives are at irrevocably changed. words are inadequate to remove the pain of that loss and the lives of these patriots began find some solace. because they lived and the great pinnacle of their sacrifice and because of the sacrifice of thousands more sense that they will remain a strong and free nation. those who fell are commemorated here and represented by the men and women you see around you acting as docents. the program that begins today is being run by lisa who lost her husband navy captain robert dolan on 9/11. she and others have added something poignant and profound to this program. we're grateful and honored on

this day that the president and first lady who have made the welfare of military families their personal party are here to commemorate this anniversary. it is my great pleasure to introduce the commander-in- chief, the president of the 19 states. [applause] -- of the united states. >> secretary gates, admiral mullen, members of the armed forces, fellow americans, family and friends of those we lost, michele and i are deeply humbled to be with you. eight septembers have come and gone, nearly 3000 days have passed, almost one for every one taken from us connote no turning

of the students can diminish the pain and loss of the day, the passage of time or dark skies can never dull the meaning of this moment. so, on this solemn day act this sacred hour once more we pause, once more we pray as a nation, as a people, in city streets where our two towers were turned to ashes and dust and in a quiet field where the plane fell from the sky in here for a single stone from this building is still blackened by the fires we remember with reverence the lives we lost. we read their names, press their photos to our hearts. on this day that marks their debt we recall the beauty and meaning of their lives.

men, women, children of every color and creed from across our nation and from more than 100 others -- they were innocent, army no one as the with the belt -- harming if no one asked about their daily lives. gone in a terrible incident they now dwell in the house of lord forever. we honor those who gave their lives so others might live. men and women who gave life to that most simple of rules. i am my brother's keeper, i am my sister's keeper. we pay tribute to the service of a new generation. young americans raised in a time of need and who chose to serve. they say they will do their part. once more we grieve. for you and your families no

words can ease the ache of your heart, no deeds can fill the empty places in your homes. but on this day and all the volume may find solace -- you may find solace in the memory of those you love and find the unending support of the american people. scripture teaches us a hard truth. the mountains may fall and the earth may give way, the flesh and the heart may feel, but after all our suffering got and grace will restore you and make you strong, firm, and a steadfast. so it is, has been for these families, so it must be for our nation. let us renew our resolve against those who perpetrated this barbaric act who still plot against us.

in defense of our nation we will never waver. the pursuit of al qaeda -- we will never falter. let us renew our commitment to those who served in our defense. to their families and all those who protect us here at home. mindful that the work is never finished. we will do everything in our power to keep america safe. let us renew the true spirit of that day, not the human capacity for evil, but that for good. not the desire to destroy, but the impulse to save and serve and to build. on this first national day of service and remembrance we can summon once more that ordinary goodness of america to serve our committees, strengthen our country, better our world.

most of all, on a day when others sought to sap our confidence let us renew our common purpose, let us remember how we can together as one nation, when people as americans, united not only in brief, but in resolved to stand with one another for the country we all love. this may be the greatest lesson of this day, the strongest rebuke to those who attacked us, the highest tribute to those taken from us. such a sense of purpose may not be fleeting. it can be a lasting virtue. through their lives and through you, the loved ones they left behind, the men and women who lost theirs eight years ago leave a legacy that shines brightly in the darkness. it calls on all of us to be

strong and firm and united. that is our calling today and in all of the septembers still to come. may god bless you income for you and may god bless the united states of america. [applause] >> at this time president obama will pay special tribute to the 184 lives lost at the pentagon and on the flight by placing a wreath on the memorial.

♪ [america the beautiful ♪]

>> ladies and gentlemen, this concludes our ceremony. thank you for your attendance. ♪

[god bless america ♪] >> the senate observe a moment of silence after which several offered some remorse. we begin with the senator of missouri. -- they offered some remarks. >> eight years ago, terrorists based in afghanistan carried out the deadly attacks on america since pearl harbor. it was on that poor fine morning in 2001 that america's worst fears were realized. the longer was terrorism something that only happened on

the other side of the globe. instead those killers had struck the heart of america here at home. long before 9/11 there were doubly warnings, warnings that for the most part went unheeded. for over two decades al qaeda and other terrorists attacked our nation from the bombing in beirut in 1983 to the pan am bombing in 1988 from the first world trade center bombing in 1993, to the embassy bombings in 1988, to the uss attack in 2000. " al qaeda declared war a long time ago against the u.s. it took the tragedy of 9/11 and the loss of thousands of lives before america decided to fight back. today as we reflect on the anniversary of 9/11 and the lives lost that day we can honor the victims and their families by finishing the job in

afghanistan and in defeating terrorists were bent on death and destruction. i agree with the comments from my colleague, the senator from michigan, who said we need to build the afghan army and its strength in the afghan police, but we also must support president obama's shows in general, general mcchrystal in his request for needed troops and resources. president obama has called afghanistan and international security challenge of the highest order. i agree. when the president stressed the safety of people around the world being at stake you did not overdosed importance of succeeding in afghanistan. president obama used even more stark terms when he spoke to our veterans at this year's vfw convention when he said "bose to

attack america on 9/11 are plotting to do so again, if left unchecked the taliban in surges it will mean an even larger city and from which al qaeda will plot to kill more americans." this is not only were we are fighting, but fundamental to the defense of. our of i could not agree more. -- to the defense of our people. after reflecting on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks i hope that the president will focus his attention and that of the american people on achieving victory in afghanistan. terrorism is the premier challenge of our time. if we fail to conquer this nothing else will matter. not even health care reform. as a vice chairman of the senate intelligence committee i can tell you that al qaeda and other radical islamist terrorists have not stopped trying to attack

americans here at home and allies around world. in my own party it is critical republican support president obama in this fight. we must demonstrate that politics and at the water's edge and support the strategy strongly it that the president has laid out for victory in afghanistan. let's avoid the politics we too often saw in iraq, declaring defeat where troops in theater were fighting for their lives. undercutting our president while he tried to help rally allies to join us. from democratic colleagues, of hope they followed the stirring words of the leader of their party and do not give in to the pendant's peddling pessimism, nor to the left wing that is prematurely declare defeat in afghanistan as they did vocally in iraq. much to the grave concerns of our troops in harm's way which i

heard firsthand by e-mail from my son in fallujah. many naysayers say that victory in afghanistan is not possible. we hear people asking again and again why we have not look. unfortunately, our country has a history of abandoning a afghanistan. defense secretary robert gates acknowledged earlier this week that a serious strategic mistake was made by turning our backs on afghanistan after soviet forces were defeated their two decades ago. sadly, under administrations of both parties america has repeatedly ignored lessons from history and repeatedly turned our backs on afghanistan. it is no wonder that the people there doubt our commitment to their defense. that the problems we face there today are in many ways more complex than those we faced on

september/12/2001. the taliban government is gone, but the taliban insurgency has risen and grown in strength. this insurgency has prevented the new afghan government from establishing its writ throughout afghanistan and threatens its long-term stability. if not stopped this insurgency could once again allow a terrorist safe haven. we cannot let that happen. president obama's new strategy being implemented by general mcchrystal is our best chance for success. do not get me wrong. while we are on the right path of long-term victory in afghanistan the road will not be easy. it will get worse before it gets better. we have seen evidence of tough fighting. too many brave troops have been

wounded or killed in action. these casualties' should not come as a surprise to anyone following events there. u.s. marines recently began to clear world areas in southern afghanistan that have served as taliban save havens for years. before these begin our military commanders warned congress and the american people that taking southern afghanistan back from the taliban would be costly. as the father of a marine who served two tours in iraq i did not take this news slightly. many of my colleagues in this senate agreed that the feeding the militants is a job that must be done. our brave brands will no doubt succeed in clearing these areas. the same terrorists who throw acid in the faces of young girls on their ways to school. even after this is accomplished

much work will still need to be done in this country recovering from decades of war. key to success is general mcchrystal's recognition of the importance of building a sustainable security through the use of smart power combining military power with economic development, education, and diplomatic strategies. i will need military forces to build security over the short- term, sustain it requires more power. -- smart power. they need enough food and a stable community. that is exactly what smart power 6 to do. the same strategy has proven successful in the province of afghanistan. during a visit i heard from the general and from president karzai the need to rebuild the agricultural sector. i tried to do so through land

grant consortium to set up an agricultural extension through usaid. unfortunately, the agency lacked the capacity to implement this vision. i turned to my friends from the missouri guard. they possessed expertise to empower the afghans. for over one year the missouri national guard agricultural development teams have been offering alternatives to opium and building irrigation systems and wells for clean water. most of the country is mired in 18th century practice. these teams provide specialists to help the afghans rebuild their agriculture and literally sow seeds of peace there. poppy production has been virtually eliminated where it was the second most prolific producer of poppies before. the first of these teams started

to work in february of 2008. the second rotation is under way, and i just joined friends and family back in missouri to celebrate the sendoff of the third rotation of the a.d.t. by showing a consistent commitment to the people, these citizen soldiers have built relationships and trust at the local level, influencing the hearts and minds to reject radical extremists. like the show me state motto, missourians have shown the way forward. thanks to their leadership, 10 other states are sending agricultural specialist teams to provinces in afghanistan. this makes it clear that we need to increase the investment in smart power strategies. 10 other state national guards are committed to the vital mission of building sustainable economies, protecting them with military force province by province. we need appropriate military protection in every province in

afghanistan of the guard is uniquely suited to this mission, but we also need federal military and economic efforts. in addition to smart power, general mcchrystal understands that counterinsurgency strategy is key to success in afghanistan. i've been disappointed to listen to the talking heads here in washington advocating for an alternative approach, emir counterterrorism strategy. it's easy, of course, to play armchair general from thousands of miles, but these talking heads seem to have forgotten that the counterterrorism strategy failed in iraq and, not surprisingly, it's failed so far in afghanistan. counterterrorism by remote control doesn't cut it. the so-called surgical strikes whether by air or ground increased civilian casualties and only allowed insurgents from the taliban to al qaeda to filter back in once the attacks are over. this approach leaves the people in the country subject to

retaliation if they don't cooperate with terrorists. the counterinsurgency strategy will ensure the violent insurgents are defeated and don't come back. i agree with the administration that part of this strategy must allow some of the day fighters, those who are not taliban idealogues to lay down their reference and return to peaceful lives. if we're getting the job done right, we will lure desperate young men away from the false promises of extremism. a viable and appropriately resourced counterinsurgency is not only successful for success in afghanistan, it is pivotal in the future of pakistan. driving terrorist safe havens out of eastern and southern gas is crucial, but not in taliban militants continue to find sanctuary in the remote borders of pakistan. the threat these transplanted terrorists pose has become more

real in the recent months as the world watched the taliban creep closer to military fits. we -- facilities, we muss support the -- we must support afghanistan. the horrors of nuclear armed terrorists would be put at risk and put at risk freedom-loving people everywhere, not a risk that we or the world can take. the stakes of turning our back on this conflict could not be higher. america ignored the fact that afghanistan became one giant training camp for terrorists in the 1990's. thousands of americans died on 9/11 as a result. and thousands of our brave troops have died in defense of our nation since then. we face a similar threat today eight years after 9/11. al qaeda shifted their terrorist sanctuaries from afghanistan to the fatah of pakistan. the taliban, people who sheltered osama bin laden now fight efforts by the

international community to bring stability to afghanistan. a u.s. withdrawal in whole or in part from afghanistan now would be unambiguous approval for the return of taliban control over afghanistan. in turn, this would lead to the establishment of safe havens for many of the world's most violent and feared terrorists. americans abandonment of afghanistan now could possibly hand over the keys to a nuclear armed kingdom of violence-loving terrorists. mr. president, i conclude by saying i just returned this past august from denmark and greece, two relatively small countries, but steadfast allie allies in tr resolve to support the mission and stablize afghanistan. declaring defeat in afghanistan today would signal to our allies that americans no longer have the resolve to defeat terrorists. declaring defeat in afghanistan would signal to our enemies by waiting us out, violent extremists can triumph over

economic might in the international community. declaring defeat in afghanistan today would signal to the families of those who died on september 11, and the troops that have fought since then in the years since -- the service to their country, that their loved ones died in vain. these are not signals our great nation should ever send. instead we must declare our courage, resolve and patience to provide current resources and more troops to allow the smart power strategy of general mcchrystal to succeed. this alone is the signal america should send. mr. president, i thank the chair and my colleagues and i yield the floor. a senator: mr. president? the presiding officer: the senator from florida. mr. nelson: mr. president, before i make some comments about our departed colleague, senator kennedy, i must comment

on the gravity of the remembrance of this day in history several years ago. there's not a person living who was old enough at the time on that fateful day in 2001, that does not remember exactly where they were when the tragedy occurred that this nation was struck by terrorists. struck from within. our nation has grown-up in its history of always having been protected in the homeland, protected by geography by two big oceans that kept us insulated from attack from without.

and then suddenly we were shocked into the realization that we could be attacked on our own homeland. and, of course, what america has done in reaction to that in perfecting our defenses, in increasing our intelligence apparatus so that we get the information before the terrorists can carry out their adeed. that has been significant in the protection of this nation and its people. of course, we remember exactly that fateful day, every one of us. this senator was only a few yards from this chamber on the west front of this u.s. capitol building in a meeting with the leadership.

we were aware that the twin towers had been struck with the first plane and the second. and somehow we wanted to continue our meeting, even though our minds really couldn't stay on the subject matter of the day, when someone burst in the room on that front presume right over there -- i think it's senate 219 -- and said the pentagon's been hit. we leapt to the window overlooking the mall in the direction of the pentagon and could see the black smoke rising. it's interesting, the reactions that you have at a time like that. my wife and i had just a few days before moved in to an apartment overlooking the

southwest corner of the pentagon. it's called pentagon row. and, of course, i leapt to a telephone to try to get a message to her to get out of the apartment and get into the basement garage. being unsuccessful to reach her, i came back out into the room, and everyone had deserted out into the hallway, and seeing the hallway crowded with people going down the stairs and hearing the capitol policemen at the bottom of the stairs saying "get out of the building. run! run! get out of the building! " of course the report had come in that the fourth airplane was inbound for washington. it was a day that brought senator rockefeller and me together, as he beckoned to me to get into his car. and as we drove away from the

capitol complex, scrambling with our cell phones trying to get our office staff to tell them to get out of the buildings and get to a location that they could inform us away from the capitol complex. and senator rockefeller and me winding through streets in washington until we got to a location where we could wait to try to get additional information. since then, of course, our capitol police force, the department of homeland security has come through with procedures and instructions that are much more definitive than we had on that day. i'll never forget on that day, mr. president, then when senator rockefeller and i decided that we needed to move away from the

location that we were, we wanted to get to a place that we could get news, we went to his home. and hearing not a sound in the sky since all air traffic had been ceased on order of the secretary of transportation. but then hearing that silent sky being pierced by the sound of f-15's overflying the capitol. it was a day that we not only can remember, but that we can take great lessons and instruction from to prepare not to let it happen again. and one that we remember today, and those people who sacrificed, those people who were the

dispensed with. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. mcconnell: mr. president, september 11 is a day of the year that has special resonance for all americans, and always should. earlier this week i was honored to stand with some of the family members of those who died eight years ago this morning on flight 93. they were here to mark the establishment of a memorial to those brave men and women who gave their lives that day over a field in pennsylvania and who in the process may very well have saved the lives of many of us here. their role in history will now be forever memorialized here in the capitol, ensuring that we never forget their sacrifice nor the sacrifice of the thousands of other innocent men and women who were taken from us on that terrible day. and this is just as it should be, because as i said during the ceremony earlier this week,

there are some moments in the life of a nation that are worth remembering. there are others that are impossible to forget. all of us who lived through that they know this to be true. we know that with each passing year the day itself might become more distant in time, but the memories do not. yet it is important that we mark that day each year with sadness for those we have lost. with solemn pride and the heroes of 9/11 and with renewed determination to confront terrorism wherever it is found. the memory of the fallen compels us. i yield, mr. president. >> mr. president, i ask unanimous consent to speak to

the morning's business. like all americans i will never forget where i was that morning. i will never forget the way our country responded in the face of great tragedy americans came together with courage and unity. eight years later we continue to face great challenges as a government and nation. we are working to improve safety and tackle many difficulties facing us today. the safety of all remains priority number one for everyone in government. we still have troops working hard to defend our nation. at the same time we recognize that our diversity is america's greatest strength. despite their many differences in times of need we are always one nation united. this year for the first time 9/11 has been designated a national day of service and remembrance. it is with a heavy heart that i stand on the floor of the senate

today marking this date with the cloak and white roses on the desk of our departed colleague, senator ted kennedy. he worked to designate this day as one of service. the president served the committee act making this a reality. ted would be proud of each american who took up the call. the mission of this new designation is to honor the victims of 9/11 and those who rose to service in response to the attacks by encouraging all americans and others throughout the world to pledge to voluntarily perform at least one good deed or another service activity on 9/11 each year. lasting and forward-looking legacy. annually rekindling the spirit of service, tolerance and compassion that unified america and the world in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. i can't think of a better way to honor the memory of those who

were lost than by taking a moment today to remember and then performing a good deed or act of service. september 11th isn't just a day of national loss, but of personal loss. my thoughts an prayers go out to -- and prayers go out to everyone who lost a friend or loved one. your loss is our loss and you are forever in our hearts. thank you, mr. president.nent, . all americans take occasion today to commemorate the terrible attacks of 2001. each of us has the cause to reflect on some of the lessons our nation has learned in the wake of 9/11. it is often hard to think clearly about the days before those attacks when the world seemed at once a safer and more distant place and our country, a superpower in a secure neighborhood. we saw before 9/11 that america had interests across the globe

and we believed that our actions must be motivated by the ideals that have made us great. yet we also often assumed wrongly that the volatility that spilled across distant shores would never wash over ours. that instability and repression in remote and obscure places was cause for tragedy but not for alarm. we've learned a lot since that day. we've learned that history is often made in the very remote and obscure places that draw so little of our attention. we have learned that the degree of freedom and stability in other countries is connected to the security that we enjoy at home. and we have learned that we must remain the authors of history, or face becoming its victims. today i'd like to spend a few moments discussing recent events in one of those places which i bet seems like a peripheral concern to most concerns. few of us wake up in the morning

scouring the papers for the latest news from lebanon or follow the ins and outs of politics in beirut. yet in recent days, we've seen the pour tense of a new political crisis in lebanon and while all of us must hope that it will be resolved easily and peacefully, we know from the history of that country that it very well may not be. yesterday prime minister designate assad hariri stepped down unable to form a national unity government some two and a half months after his election in june. after his mod pratt and relatively pro-western party won the largest number of seats in the lebanese parliament, mr. hariri posed the formation of a broad-based government that would even award a share of the cabinet post to hezbollah. yet hezbollah has been intent on thwarting these efforts to form a cabinet. despite the fact that the lebanese constitution confers on

the prime minister and president the power to make cabinets appointments and irrespective of attempts to form a government, talks have broken down over the demand by hezbollah allied party that it retain the telecommunications ministry. this may appear to be a small and insignificant point of contention and surely not one that would prompt any incoming prime minister to abandon his post until we consider that hezbollah badly wants to retain control over telecommunications and surveillance in lebanon. hezbollah, of course, not only possesses a surveillance capacity and an independent communications and broadcasting system but also retains vast weaponry befitting its status as an independent maliciousia. along with its syrian and iranian sponsors, hezbollah continues to both exert influence outside the

constitutional process and invite foreign medalin meddling. i urge parties in lebanon to form a government in a manner that respects the constitutional process. over the longer term, it's abundantly clear there can be no durable peace in lebanon or long-term stability in the political process there as long as hezbollah continues to act freely as an armed independent militia. according to some reports, hezbollah remains today the best amended force in the country, better armed, indeed, than even the lebanese armed forces which invites further fighting at some point between hezbollah and israel and suggests that hezbollah will continue to use its military power to induce cooperation with its demands at home. sooner or later, one way or

another, and as the united nations security council has demanded, hezbollah must be disarmed. we should also make perfectly clear to syria that better ties with the united states will require no interference in neighbor's affairs. the administration made a major unfortunate to reach out to syria sending a number of delegations to damascus and making clear that better ties with the united states are possible if syria changes its ways yet we should recall it has been just four years since there was an emerging on the political stage after there was a suicide bomber that crossed the syrian border into iraq and syria maintains its hostility to israel and its close ties to the government of iran.

it must be clear there must be real change on these issues in order for syria to enjoy significantly warmer relations with the united states. some americans might reasonably ask, why? why should we care about freedom in the democratic a as operatios oaspiration ofthe lebanese peop? don't we have enough problems at home without spending time and attention on the affairs of a small country far from our shores? answering this, i'd like to return to the theme with which i set out these brief remarks. we have learned since the attacks of 9/11 the instability in such places is not often confined to its borders. in lands where repression and despair are rife and intolerance grows in the hearts of some and violence in the minds of a few. in lebanon, as in so many other places around the world, the

population aspires to something better than to be pulled from side to side by a thug-ish and cruel malicious. the vast majority of the lebanese people want only that which we here in america desire: freedom and secure to build through their talents and industry a better life for themselves and their children. a americans, we must demonstrate that we stand boulevard them ine stand beside them in this home. as we cox memorial rate th we ro advancing this noble goal on this/

commemorate the 9/11 events. families of united flight 93 passengers also attended. we will hear first from nancy pelosi. this is 20 minutes. >> thank you for coming today to remember the heroes of 9/11. ♪ [star-spangled banner ♪]

and the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. o say does that star spangled banner yet wave? o'er the land of the free end of the home of the brave. >> ladies and gentlemen, reverend daniel c.

>> let us pray. lord god almighty, in the drama of every human life as well as the life of the nation there are certain days that will never be forgotten. made the remembrances of september 11, 2001 always awaken in the heart of this nation to appear of praise and petition and the lead everyone to creative service of self-giving and community building. it seems that when we are most vulnerable you touch human hearts with the blessing of your spirit that leads us with a light from above. certain moments grasp as personally, hold us together and change us forever.

the immediate effect of heroic deeds, children's tears, as well as a whole nation in mourning has a way of building down the human heart to a new death self-perception, but your love will not ever leave the vulnerable alone. you used the powerful moment to move a person from pride and ambition to find a new level of understanding and compassion for one's neighbors with all their troubling imperfections. once in your gift of newfound freedom is revealed within as we become fit instruments to serve others and a build the glory of the nation reflecting your own goodness and justice for another

generation and for years to come. amen. >> ladies and gentlemen, the republican leader of the united states house of representatives, the hon. john boehner. >> to the victims, their families, and it to the first responders there that day we will never forget. to those who perpetrated this heinous act we will never forget. >> today we mark the instant trouble between fear and memory. eight years ago we saw fear come

out of a clear blue sky. we saw monuments of our power and pride turn to dust in an instant. we felt in one day fanaticism's turbo cruelty and the terrible beauty of selfless sacrifice. -- and that terrible crime to. now the scars are there and grief and shock as if there were only words perhaps, but on that day there were more -- they were more real than words can now express. in eight years we have the old perhaps our grief. for one hour we call it back. for one instant recall of that. deliberately we call it back today. kaine days, but today we feel it to stay with us this hour and

a longer -- pain stays. our memory keeps us human. . .

>> however much it stings, we will do so again and again as long as memory lasts. the american writer, mark helprin, once reflect on soldiers who had seen death and his words hold true for us as well. "that they cannot forget, that they do not forget he, he that they never allow themselves to heal completely, is there a way of expressing their love for friends who have perished and that they will not change because they have become what they have become to keep the fallen alive." as the minority leader said, we will never forget. >> ladies and john, the republican leader of the united states senate, the hon. but mcconnell. >> it is an honorable here -- it

is an honor to be here with a family members of the great heroes of flight 93, is an important place in history will not be memorialized forever here in the capital. we will never forget their sacrifice, are the sacrifices he of some and the others on that sad day. in a life of a nation, some moments are worth more -- are worth remembering. others are impossible to forget. september the 11th, 2001, is both. with each passing year, they become more distant, but the memories do not. some remember a warm smile, and last goodbye, a wave from the departure gates, he the color of a dress or tie. -- the color of a dress or tie. others remember hearing about a

friend or a friend of a friend and contemplating the horrible details. all of us remember exactly where we were in a moment real -- them, we realized what happened and exactly what we did on that date eight years ago preheat for many of us here, we did the same day we are doing now. we came here to the capital to show our solidarity with one another, with the victims, and with the rest of the nation, stunned not [unintelligible] by the face of evil. our hearts were broken, but our spirits were not to rate united in purpose, we were united to confront those who had done these things, even as we confront -- even as we comforted the families and friends of those to whom they were done. eight years later, the confrontation continues in far

off patient -- in far off places were brave americans are at inspired by the sacrifices of the victim most of the he 9/113 today, we also honor them. -- hit the victims of of 9/11. today, we honor them. those whose lives and in a flash or those who gave their lives that day so that others might live. all of these people hold a permanent place in our hearts behalf and in the story of our nation here. that story is still unfolding. but we know this team has. it is the same today as it always was. ordinary men and women pursuing their dreams. coming together in moments of crisis with the kind of heroism and sacrifice is people will speak of for centuries. today, we remember the men and women of 9/11, knowing they will

never be forgotten. he >> ladies and john, the majority leader of the united states senate, the hon. harry reid. >> the solemn anniversary we remember this week has no parallel in our lifetime. we lost more loved ones on the local morning then a number of mornings that don since that day. we still mourn, we still hurt, but we still hope tree we still stand tall and we still marvel at the on comparable heroism we witnessed on that day. ours is an asian started, settled, and strengthened by heroes. -- ours is a nation started college settled, strengthened by heroes. some wake up every morning and

know they may have to run into a burning building. while everybody else runs out of that burning building. some wake up every morning and they may have to sacrifice their own lives of a fellow soldier can wake of the next morning and know the same. some, like those on flight 93 wake up as passengers and travelers, sons and daughters, and choose to become heroes. only in their last moments. so we breathe and we are also grateful for them. though they leave us too soon, they leave us with a legacy of bravery we cannot fully fathom and one for which we cannot fully thank them. we honor them so others may learn from their courage. we revere those who died so many others may live. we stand in the building that might not be here but for those heroes and we know what it means to be thankful. >> ladies and shamans, the

speakers of the united states house of representatives, the hon. nancy pelosi. >> just a few moments ago, we unveiled a plaque in the u.s. capital to commemorate some of the heroes of 9/11, its men and women of flight 93. to their families are standing by our side today and i ask all of my colleagues to take a moment to recognize these mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, for keeping the memory of those heroes alive. [applause] [applause] [applause]

>> it is indeed a humbling experience, as always is, when we tread on the sacred ground of 9/11. for those of us who were engaged in that profession based on words and speaking, we find our inadequacies because words are inadequate to express the gratitude, the respect, the debt that we have to all of these families. now, we gather to honor all of the heroes of that fatal day eight years ago he -- the firefighter's, first responders, rescue workers, and all the perished trying to save others. we remember those who refused to leave their co-workers behind, whose lives were cut short during the unforgettable more of that morning. we recall our men and women in uniform, a broad fighting for all right values and protecting our nation, making enormous

sacrifices they and their families, so we and our children can no safety and security. of course, we honor those who lost their lives on september 11 here. it is in their names that we mark this day. it is in their memory that we pledge to never forget this unspeakable tragedy. it is in their silence voices that guide us, inspire us, that echo in our hearts each time we stand on the steps of the capital say -- and a single boards of "god bless america" weather permitting. americans forget about our differences and embraced our shared heritage. here in the tragedy, we found unity. in the ashes, we rallied around a common cause. in the fall and towers, we located the strength to carry on. in the darkness of that day, we saw the light of a brighter

future. we express our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims to remain the conscience of our efforts to keep the memories of the fall alive. so today, we do this gathered inside with the threat of rain, but as we did many years ago, in september of 2001, we will close by singing "he got bless america close " because god truly did bless america. we've recommit ourselves to help our courageous first responders to help treat needs that lender to this day and provide them with the resources they need to respond to future emergencies. may god bless the memories of all of the heroes of 9/11. may god continue to bless the united states of america. and now, let us have a moment of silence in memory of all who

were lost on 9/11. >> ladies and gentlemen, rev. gary black will deliver the benediction. >> let us pray. lord god, almighty, creator and sustainer of the universe, as we again approach another anniversary of a tragedy that united this nation, accept our thanksgiving for your sustaining providence.

may our gratitude he motivate us his to strive for unity hit and to develop a greater awareness of the fragile nature of our lives. lord, continue to comfort those for whom the date september 11 rekindles a sense of sadness. console those who -- whose lives are and printed with the shocking images of that season of distress. lord, inspire our citizens to incline our hearts to you in prayer that your continuing mercies may always sustain us.

may we recommit ourselves to the noble principles upon which our nation was founded. in the days to come, do for us hand he and this land we love exceedingly, abundantly, above all we can ask or imagine, according to your power, working in and threw us, we pray in your sovereign name. amen. >> now, ladies and tillman, joined the united states marine band -- ladies and gentlemen, joined the united states marine band in singing " god bless america."

♪ [singing "god bless america'] ♪ ♪ [applause] >> ladies and gentlemen, this concludes our ceremony.

thank you for joining us today. >> also, and the u.s. capitol on wednesday, the house speaker spoke at a plaque dedication ceremony for the victims of united flight 93. that was the airplane that crashed in central pennsylvania. this is 20 mean it -- this is 20 minutes. >> ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the speaker of the united states house of representatives, the hon. nancy pelosi. [applause]

>> it is indeed a privilege to welcome all of you to the capital. i know you have waited a few moments for us to get here, but, at the moment, we are having a vote on the house floor for a resolution in memory of those who made that sacrifice on 9/11. and to the families as well. it will take us another moment for mr. schuster. today, we gather to unveil a marker of bravery, to recall the men and women of flight 93, some of who are the true heroes are the heat -- some of whom are the true heroes of september 11, 2001, although we are deeply indebted to. with this plaque, the memory of those individuals will forever

remain etched on the walls of the u.s. capitol. everyone who visits here from around the world war from the neighborhoods of america will see those names. forevermore attached on the walls of the capital. the names are etched forever i know in the hearts of friends and especially the families and loved ones and now here, in the capital. i hope that she will visit frequently and it will be a comfort to you. these are truly their memorial. their bravery, sacrifice, their willingness to put their lives on the line protect victims and known to them and families and seen, these it will be their eternal monuments and enduring contribution. for those of us who work here in the capital, this might have been the target of flight 93.

we think he was. we will remain eternally grateful for the heroes of the flight for their courage and character. not because they saved our lives, but they prevented [unintelligible] to be violated by these terrorist acts. may god bless their memory, may god bless all of you and all of us with the strength to accept that and may god continue to bless the united states of america. and now, i want to introduce representative shuster of pennsylvania who was one of the authors of the legislation. mr. conrad was the author and leave the senate. mr. shuster was here as we gathered on the resolution 4 9/11. mr. schuster. [applause]

>> thank you, madam speaker, senator conrad, and all the families and passengers of flight 93 in attendance here today. eight years ago, we watched all our televisions, i watched from our office across the street, i was in the first year of my first term in congress. i watched as everyone watched, the reports of the first plane crashing into the world trade center. i watched live at the second plane crashed and we heard reports of the third plane in the pentagon and a fourth airplane missing over pennsylvania. it was and we heard the stories of flight 93, and ordinary people who did an extraordinary thing in the face of extraordinary circumstances. the men and women of that flight came together from different backgrounds, creeds, ethnicities, but the unified as americans and sacrificed their lives to save the lives of countless of their fellow

citizens. flight 93 is believed to be headed to this capital on september 11. many of us here in attendance would have been in mortal danger were not for the brave passengers aboard the flight. it is fitting we honor their sacrifice with a prominent memorial here in the nation's capital. a building that is a symbol of freedom and liberty around the world. i think heroes of flight 93 and our families for their sacrifice. those of 44 the first line of defense against terror. they demonstrated to the world our strength, our resolve, and our courage as americans. they launched the first counter- attack in the fight against terrorism. their courage in the face of terror will never be forgotten. today, we market forever by placing this plaque in the united states capitol. i would like to thank senator conrad for his leadership and getting this plaque from the drawing board to the u.s.

capitol a reality. finally, i would like to thank all of our men and women serving in the u.s. military and law enforcement around this country. he had their dedication to making america a safer place to men and work. we will never forget their sacrifices. may god bless all of you and god continue to bless the i'd say it's of america. thank you. [applause] -- may god continue to bless the united states of america. >> ladies and gentleman, the hon. senator from north dakota, senator kent conrad. >> thank you for this opportunity. special thanks to the families of his the people who were on flight 93. we honor very much your relationships to those we honor here today. i remember 9/11 so well. i came into the capitol complex and security people to evacuate

us because the pentagon had been struck. we went back to our offices and there we saw the horror of the world trade center being hit. then, security people rushed into my office and told us we were to evacuate our offices because there was a plain 15 minutes out and they thought the capitol complex might be the target. that was flight 93. i think we all them learned of the extraordinary bravery of the passengers and crew on that flight. i introduced this resolution in 2004 because i fell those -- because i felt those brave men and women should be remembered forever. here, in this symbol of our freedom, in our democracy, when

visitors come here to our great capital, they will see this plaque. they will be reminded of the tragedy and triumph of the flight 93, the 90 -- the loss of life, but more than that, but of the extraordinary act of courage by the men and women on board. more than two thousand years ago, the greek historian thucydides wrote -- "the bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them -- glory and danger alike -- and yet notwithstanding, go to me it." -- go to meet its." that is what the passengers and crew of 90 -- a flight 93 did. they saw the danger and rose up to me that.

we honor their courage year today. we also honor the families. we recognize their sacrifice and we do it in this very building, the capital of our nation. i am humbled to be here with you. we thank you for your services and sacrifice as well. [applause] >> ladies and gentlemen, the president of the families of flight 93. [applause] >> thank you. if not for the courage of 40 brave souls, our course of human events may have veered off in far more radical paths in the ensuing years since 9/11. madam speaker, house and senate leadership, families, friends,

and guests, is truly an honor to stand before you today representing the 40 crew and passengers of united flight 93. to be able to speak for those brave souls, for ever held in the family's hearts of love once and held collectively about our nation and freedom-loving people around the world as heroes is a humbling experience beyond compare. it could have been any one of us this morning on the air or on the ground here, in the people's house. as i think back on the state's falling 9/11, i'm immediately reminded of the moment in time when the magnitude of the actions of our family members became painfully tangible. while exiting the white house following time spent with president bush, our families were literally embraced by gratitude by staffers here in the events of 9/11. citizens that fully understand the personal and political

devastation that flight 93 had reached its target. through a fog of my loss, i sensed the broad implications of the tremendous efforts taken by our loved ones. it is with great pride stand before you knowing that if not for the actions of those brave passengers and crew played out over the skies of southwestern pennsylvania, many lives on the ground here in washington as well as the great symbol of our democracy could have been lost, furthering the trauma of the day and encouraging those that would question the resolve of the american people. it is only appropriate i think our leaders in washington for their continuing commitment to forever memorialize the 40 heroes of united flight 93. the tragedy of their loss is eased by the knowledge that they have opportunity to fight and, for the immediate evil threatening them that fateful morning. this plaque will insure their actions are forever held with similar scheme to that of so many citizen soldiers from our

history, unafraid to challenge tierney and fight for life and liberty. thank you. [applause] >> thank you. before we unveiled a statue, i want to acknowledge how honored we are to have with us the leadership of the united states senate, the senate majority leader, harry reid, -- [applause] >> the republican leader, senator mitch mcconnell. [applause] the deputy leader of the senate, majority leader of the senate, richard durbin of illinois. senator john kyl of arizona. [applause] senator bob casey of

pennsylvania. [applause] senator frank lautenberg of new jersey. [applause] senator roland burris from illinois. [applause] representing the administration and here in his own right, a great patriot, the secretary of interior, can sell as are. -- ken salazar. senator barbara boxer of california. [applause] the majority leader of the house, steny hoyer here. [applause] the republican leader of the house, john boehner. [applause]

center isaacson of georgia. [applause] senator gramm of south carolina. [applause] senator shaheen is with us from new hampshire. [applause] senator al franken of minnesota, the newest member of the senate. [applause] senator russ feingold of wisconsin. [applause] center of one of its of ohio. -- senator voinavich of ohio. [applause] senator ensey of wyoming. [applause] senator altmier of pennsylvania.

[applause] senator gillibrand of new york. [applause] we have never had this many senators adventure over to this side of the house. actually we are on their side. [laughter] and the other members? [inaudible] congressman dan of pennsylvania. [applause] congressman murphy of pennsylvania. [applause] little bit i know when we went down this path hal honored we were. we should take that as a sign of the enormous gratitude we have. i hope by the presence of some

members in this space will go from here to our 9/11 observance will we will also honor you, but first, as has been said, by all of our speakers, for you to see, for as long as this capital exists, for anyone who visits here, they will see the names of your loved ones and honor his or her memory. now we're going to unveil -- [applause] [applause]

[inaudible] [inaudible] [reading names]

[reading names] [reading names] [applause]

>> in memory of the passengers and crew of flight 93 and their brave sacrificed on september 11, 2001 [inaudible] [applause] [inaudible]

>> this is c-span, public affairs programming, courtesy of america's cable companies. next, the memorial service for walter cronkite. later on "newsmakers" senator jeff bingaman talks about health care legislation. >> on monday, the house considers authorization for nearly $3 billion through the year 2014 for energy department based research on cast efficient turbines and hybrid vehicles. also, consideration for a measure that would change federally subsidized student loans. the house dabbles in at 12:30 four general speeches and legislative work beginning at 2:00 eastern. that is live on c-span. the senate also returned on monday to work on fiscal year

2010 federal spending. senators are considering 120 two billion dollars for transportation and housing programs. a will gavel in at 2:00 p.m. for an hour of general speeches. at 3:00, the senate will begin legislative business. live coverage on c-span2. >> 1.7 million immigrants each year, half are followers of islam. tonight, reflections on the evolution in europe and immigration, islam, and the west. >> a memorial service was held for walter cronkite on wednesday, in manhattan. walter cronkite anchored the cbs evening news from 1962-1981. he died on july 17 on the aged -- at the age of 92. now, president obama, former president bill clinton, cbs

colleagues and others share their memories of walter cronkite and discuss his influence on journalism. this is about two hours and 30 minutes. >> >> i would like to welcome and thank president obama and president clinton for joining us here this morning. also, walters children, nancy, cathy, and chip. i am happy to report that walter cronkite iv is gainfully employed in our washington bureau. the chondrite tradition -- the common cry tradition is alive and well at cbs news. [applause]

we begin today with the marine marching band playing stars and stripes, which is appropriate because that was his favorite march. also because walter was one of only two civilians, the other being john philip sousa, who conducted this great band. thank you very much for that. [applause] >> my family has had the good fortune of periodically past -- crossing paths with walter. my dad worked with him on a number of shows in the 1950's at cbs news. in 1960, walter was actually a last-minute replacement for my father, who was scheduled to anchor his first olympics, the 1960 summer games in rome. my father became ill and unable to travel to rome. walter filled in for him. years later, walter and i talked about how much he enjoyed his big sports assignments and my dad's desire to be a network

news anchor. walter said to me if things had worked out differently, i would have been a sports announcer and your dad would have been the news anchor. however, i think they did just fine in their respective careers. in 1972, in munich, i accompanied my dad back to his hotel after he had been on television for 18 hours straight, reporting on the massacre of the israeli olympic team. i still remember as if it were yesterday, walking into the hotel, just as the sun was coming up. my dad asked for risky at the front desk and was handed an envelope from western union. my dad opened up a credit. it said, you were superb yesterday, the profession and industry have reason to be proud of you here. congratulations, walter cronkite. it was the very first of hundreds of notes my dad received from america and it was a typical water -- a simple but perfectly worded. my dad and i looked at each other without saying anything

and then my dad said to me -- it's never going to get any better than this moment, right now. years later, when i got my job at cbs news, i was in my office in the morning of the announcement, calling the various anchors and correspondents and the rest of the cbs news team when my assistant came in and said walter cronkite is on the phone for you. i immediately stood up at my desk at attention, took a deep breath and picked up the phone. good morning, mr. cronkite. he replied, hello, boss. [laughter] i gasped and said what first came into my mind, please, don't call me that, mr. cronkite. [laughter] the fact that i could somehow be walter cronkite's boss seemed to be the height of absurdity. as soon as i finish my conversation, i called my parents and said you're not going to believe who called me boss. [laughter]

what i told them, there is a long silence and i knew that the three of us were thinking how the family history had really come for all circles. from those early days at cbs news in the 1950's to the day walter called to congratulate me on my new job. like all mothers, my hand -- mine had the best advice -- make sure you call him mr. cronkite and not walter. at our first lunch, i called mr. cronkite and not surprisingly, he insisted i called and walter. i can't a imagine what it would be like to come to work every day and actually be able to work with walter cronkite. those of us in the news business are its head -- are instinctively influenced every day not only by his remarkable body of work, but by what he stood for also. integrity, perspective, professionalism, and yes, a sense of humor. that is why walter feared so well. no matter what the story was

covering, his demeanor, his reporting, and its presentation were virtually flawless. his enormous professional accomplishments aside, it is also important to remember there was a warm, and a compassion about walter that is almost indescribable. those who knew him would also tell you that there was never a better or more loyal friend. all of us at cbs news will continue to ms. walters. but how lucky are we that in some small way, we are able to carry on the tradition and rock- solid foundation he built for us, and not just for those of us at cbs news, but everyone in the news business. in a remembrance in the "new york times" it was summed up, but -- perfectly what life will for cronkite means to us all. "7 deaths and only a life, some and a generation, walter cronkite's death and that something larger and more profound.

he stood for a world and a century which belong exists." his death is like losing the last veteran of a world-changing war. one of those men who sought to much but was never embittered by it. walter cronkite's gift was to talk to us about what he saw and we were very lucky to have been able to listen. i would say we were very lucky indeed. thank you very much. [applause] >> to the cronkite family, his children, nancy, cathy, and chip, president obama, president clinton, and all of our distinguished guests, friends, colleagues, and fellow admirers

of walter cronkite, it is a deep honor to be here to pay respect to an extraordinary man who touched the lives of so many in such a simple, yet profound way. looking out at this room at the remarkable group of people gathered for this event, i am in ottawa over the abiding he, powerful feelings of affection and respect that walter cronkite continues to evoke in our nation and in each one of us as individuals. certainly, all of us at cbs were always so proud to say that he was a member of our family. throughout his career, and throughout the end of his illustrious life, but we also realize that like any national treasure, he belonged to not only to us, but the entire world. but he did make everyone in our business a little bit prouder of

what we do for a living. i would venture to say there isn't a person in this room today, in the profession, who was not in some way inspired in some way by walter cronkite to go into the media. it was certainly that way with me. when i was a kid, i always wanted to work at a network. but, not just any network. i wanted to work at cbs. there was a great history of the place. "i love lucy" and "gunsmoke." the terrific coverage of the nfl. but especially, there was walter. he was there every evening to carry my whole family through the stories that changed our world. the assassination of president kennedy, the moment we landed on the men, vietnam, watergate --

he told us the way it was hit with an honesty and a unique warmth and humanity that touched all of us so deeply that he came to be seen not only as are most trusted newsman, but as a memory -- as a member of our common family, a next-door neighbor perhaps, friend or cousin, or yes, an uncle. like sean, on my first day at cbs, walter gave me a call. i said to myself, you have a cool job. it was a lovely gesture from my hero. in addition to his major significance as a world figure, he was a true gent. that came through in everything he did. he gave us the news right down the middle, but he did more. he told us it was ok to react, to be a human through massive events, and with the total

dignity and professionalism that was great gift, he also allowed us to see his excitement, his grief, his pride, and sometimes even his outrage at. in this way, he guided us at through the times we all lived in and share. i say shared because walter was the said -- was the center of a community, a community created by our medium. the scene around our tv at home was replicated in every home and around our block him and in most blocks around america. in this way, when walter cronkite helped to create and street and our entire nation at the most critical times. and make us more fully aware of the value and culture but we all share together. and the power of broadcasting. that power to bring us together, to teach, to guide, which to build a national consensus continues to this day.

but walter cronkite, more than any other individual, made it happen. he kept faith with that trust. he leaves us with that legacy and that responsibility. we now move forward without him , in sadness at our loss, and with the gratitude of a life so exemplary and so well lived. thank you, walter. [applause] >> and now, ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to introduce the 42nd president of the united states, the honorable william jefferson clinton. [applause] >> thank you very much. thank you.

thank you. thank you. thank you. to the cronkite family, the cbs family, mr. president, i think it says a lot about walter cronkite men to all of us that on one of the most important days in his young presidency and a very important date in our nation's life, president obama, when he had his big speech tonight, still came to new york to honor walter cronkite. [applause]

since walter is not doing this anymore, it doesn't have to be quite so objective. i think i can say that he and all -- he and all the rest of us wish you well tonight and we hope you prevail. [applause] i had a very unusual perspective on all this. i was just a high school kid in arkansas who had a tv for less than five years, i think, when walter cronkite started doing the evening news. i have to confess, my mother liked huntley and brinkley. [laughter] until we kept on cbs all day

long on november 22, 1963. after that, we lived with walter cronkite. that's all i knew. years passed. 1981, he left. i forms of real opinions as a young student. i thought he had the most trusted news program because he had an inquiring mind and a caring heart and a careful devotion to the facts. because you really sensed that in the words of his own autobiography, he had a deep aversion to group conformity. he was always looking for the

story, not the story line. there is a big difference. after he left cbs, i didn't think much more about it. i looked at some of the specials. then, when i became president, we were vacationing on martha's vineyard together. we would be thrown together at dinner parties or whatever. he started talking to me about his young years, before television, and when he worked for upi. when he, like ronald reagan, did thirdhand radio accounts of sporting events. in kansas city, when that was a hot town, in houston, before that was one of our great metropolises.

i wound up being crazy about the guy. for reasons that had nothing to do with all the things we're here honoring today. i thought he was one of the most interesting man i ever saw. i thought all lot of his qualities that made him great in television, he came by honestly. keep in mind, one of the most moving accounts to me in the story of his own life was dancing with his mother of her 100th birthday. at the end of their dens, she said -- he said i thought she was exhausted. she's upset she -- she asked him for her medicine and when he came back she said, no, walter, i want a martini. [laughter] that is the guy i got to know. we continued to see each other after i left the white house.

we would be thrown together at one event or another. i thought he was an astonishing man. i like his inquiring mind and his caring heart. he did something for my family that was so simple and even now it is hard for me to talk about. but in a very tumultuous summer in our personal lives, 1998, we were up on martha's vineyard. walter cronkite picked up his phone and said i want you to go sailing with us, you, hilary, and chelsea. we'll just go out and sail around. he said somebody might take a picture, but so what. i will never forget that.

at the time i could have done with a picture of walter cronkite. [laughter] [applause] i say this because that was not something he had to do. he was 81 years old. he was a good man. yes, he was a great journalist. he lived a fascinating life which made him long to know and understand and share his knowledge and understanding. he was almost painfully honest. one of the most interesting things to me about his autobiography and personal conversations we had about his role in trying to advance public

discourse was what he thought about the limitations of television news. what he spent his whole life doing. he said i did the best i could, but i think people should read more newspapers. can you imagine anybody else confessing to that? so, i am here to say thanks to his family. and his wonderful late wife. for a man who was important in all of our lives, a great citizen, and a profoundly good human being, that's just the way it was. thank you. [applause]

[applause] [applause] >> it is hard to follow bill clinton's. i'm jimmy buffett. [applause] walter was my sailing buddy and i will cherish that as long as i live. i always made a pilgrimage up to martha's vineyard, not just to sail with walter, but to figure out what walter thought of the world, as it was. as a cbs man and cbs audience, i would relate one thing -- as we sailed around, it was obvious we talked a little bit more about sailing and other things as well, particularly when we got back to the dock and the rum drinks came out.

one time, my dear friend ed bradley called me one day and said i need to ask you something. i'm thinking about wearing an earring on 60 minutes. [laughter] i had seen this hearing at the jazz festival, but i said "60 minutes" that is going to be good. he asked what i thought and what i thought was we ought to ask walter. i'm going to go sailing with them and i will pass on your idea. so, we went out and had a great sale and we came back again and were sitting there at the helm. it was the right time, the sun was down and the rum was out. i said at called me and is thinking about wearing an earring on 60 minutes. walter said -- it doesn't matter whether he wears a hearing as long as it's a good story. [laughter] that was walter. but then he added, in that long

john silver tone of voice he had, if i was going to wear an earring on 60 minutes, i would wear one of those big, blond and billy ones. [laughter] device sailing buddy and his friends and family. ♪ . . ♪ and a traveling man ♪ well, i chalked up many of miles ♪ ♪ read dozens of books about

heros and crooks ♪ ♪ hell i learned much from both ♪ hell i learned much from both of their style ♪ son of a son ♪ son of a son of a sailor ♪ son of a gun notice one step ahead of the jailer ♪ ♪ now way in the future ♪ southeast of the order ♪ you can shake the hand of the mango man ♪ ♪ as he greets you at the border ♪ the lady she hails from the island of the spices ♪ ♪ it's all where you meet ♪ cinnamon sweet ♪ and good-byes for all your advices ♪ ♪ and we'd ride on the wind

♪ hear the bells ring ♪ and sing, it's a son of a gun of a chorus ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ so where this all ends, i can't fathom my friends ♪ ♪ if i knew i just might toss out my anchor ♪ ♪ but i'll cruise along ♪ always searching for something ♪ ♪ not a lawyer, a thief, or a banker ♪ ♪ i'm still the son of a son ♪ son of a son of a sailor ♪ the seas in my band ♪ the tradition ♪ i'm just glad i don't live in a trailer ♪

♪ ♪ [applause] >> thank you, walter. >> we are here to celebrate the life of walter cronkite. this has been a sad summer in

the history of cbs news. above us the stars seem to be going out one by one. walter in july, don in august, and ed bradley three years ago. the three who fought the same battles together proudly and passionately. writers have said that walter's passing is the end of an era. the phrase so often used than it seems to be more eras than years in the century. when it comes to memory, nostalgia is a lier. i believe he deserves his own era. i started as a researcher in 1968. and i stayed at cbs for almost 30 years. since i'm a naturalized american-born citizen worn in whales, but working for a

japanese company now, i have something of a identity crisis. but back in 1968 i knew who i was. many of the best years of my life was spent with walter and his band of journalists. there are, i think, three reasons why walter inspired so much trust both inside and outside cbs news. first his personality which included as many have said a wicked sense of humor, as well as a total lack of pretension. second his self-awareness which allowed him to define the role without letting it twine him. and third the leadership skill which maybe the secret to his longevity and universal respect. as for her personality, he clearly loved the job. he could charm his way through

the mary tyler moore show without compromising one iota of his creditability. i produced my first documentary of walter. it was about the rock feller family. and the first question walter asked who nelson rocker feller was, did you believe in santa clause? the silence was deafening. walter had stumped the billionaire with the kind of manner. people waited to see if the rich were different. and they were. [laughter] sometimes walter's genial nature could trap him. in one such incident, he was

interviewing president lyndon johnson in texas in 1969. walter asked the president about his decision to halt the bombing and directly challenges the president's version of the timetable, as when the custom of the day, the president left the studio and we arranged the room to shoot the reverses. the interview had not gone well. the president was evasive, which each answering lasting at least 30 minutes. at one point the cameraman fell asleep looking through his lens. [laughter] >> the question was clearly the pivotal moment in the broadcast, so the producers suggested in the reverses walter ask that question for forcefully. when the president saw the final broadcast he was furious. that's not the way it happened, he said. walter is too much of a gentleman to address me that

way. under pressure the news president changed the rules for the interview on book of standards. never again without the subject leave the room. inadvertently, the personal character resulted in the change in standards and practices for television news, all for the better. walter was of course a thoroughly decent man. i remember watching his face at luncheon when the president explained how communist behave. they are, like he said, a women who lets you touch her leg. pretty soon they will let you put your hand up her skirt. walter was completely shocked, and didn't know what to say. and he later told me he tried to find a place to hide. walter was untrustedly a man in america, it could have been a

burden who crushed lesser men. he once admitted that the anchorman's role could at times be something of a straight jacket, smothering many of his own thoughts and opinions. he knew there was a price to pay in a media spotlight that burns as much as it illuminates. i believe his family and wife helps to keep him on an even field. a few weeks ago, a senator commented walter's years were easier. the vietnam war arose passions that drove american youth into the streets in search of change or the drive for rare issue equality provided a bookend to the period that still resonates today. walter stood in the eye of that storm exuding a kind of calm that formed the world

anchorman. the scarcity of his reactions were meaningful beyond measure. the tears of sorrow after the assassinations, tears of joy, and the moment of when he declared a stale meat, and he said if i've lost cronkite, i've lost middle america. most of all his leadership skills. many of us grew up with the legend of the merrill boys. they invented radio news. from 1962 to 1981 walter guided and guarded the "cbs evening news" on television. he never lost his bond with

television or colleagues either. aided by key producers there may have been revolutionary thoughts on the street, but not in the newsroom. there were flashes of irritation and anger after a broadcast, but there was solidarity in the studio. not enough has been said about the cronkite boys who handled the complexities of global issues from the vietnam war to the cold war from black america to black september to assassinations to watergate. they stood and kept their integrity and intelligence solidly entertwined. the investigation most admired reporter and later stole "60 minutes." roger who dean of core

correspondence and the power of the state department, dan rather, white house correspondent who would always knock down doors than check to see if they were locked. bob schieffer who reminded peers that if you could report with a smile and not just a sneer. leslie stall, molly safer, who watched zippo lighters ignite a fire at capitol. and jack lawrence, bob simon, the eyes and ears of the middle east, bill plant, charles oscar,

who reminds us that there were thousands of ordinary people still painting the tapestry of america in vivid colors. and walters great friend andy rooney who's trusty typewriter still connects us to the founding years. reporters producers, writers and camera crews were managed and motivated by the newsroom of walter cronkite. none of these men and women resented or challenged his commitments. they trusted him too. if history has been said, it's a biography of heros. and the history of broadcast journalism is surely the biography of walter cronkite. and frankly for all of us, and for all of his family, as the president said, that's just the way it is. thank you. [applause] :

i have listened with indeed today and over the last few weeks, to those whose friendship with walter lasted nearly a lifetime. mine did not. the we were acquitted, in the 1970's, we did not become friends until late in life for both of us. it was some interminable invent in southern california. by whatever alchemy to turn to such things, over the course of that evening, we became friends.

we had both been born to a very different america in the mid south. it had marked as in similar ways, we laughed at the same things, felt the same way about great issues that had washed over us, became reporters as teenagers and never wanted to be anything else. how was not aware of the disparity of our experiences. and that on occasion i forgot, my wife of 50 years, nina, was there to remind me. for instance, once several years ago when betsy was still with us, walter and betsy and nina and i went to a favorite restaurant not so far from here, down on 56 street. lunch started promptly at noon and was still going strong at 3:00. i am told that the stock of

makers marked and johnnie walker black went up several points on the board that day. i have no independent verification of that. but as nina and i walked back to the hotel, wasn't that wonderful? too old news guys telling each other stories. and in and said, you tell them about the firefighters' strike and he told you about anwar sadat. [laughter] well, perhaps nina and i miss the point. walter wanted to know about that strike. he wanted to know how i got the beat on it. [laughter] it was always about the story, wasn't it? it was about news and reporting. we talked about the last 15

years of his life from coast to coast, then you to the new and even beyond the shores. a memorable vacation, italy as well. of course our time together coincided with a volcanic eruption in our profession. the profession that had been mother and father to both of us. characteristically, walter didn't seem much concerned about the revolution in all these delivery systems. somebody was minding the store on the content. and he didn't just fume about it, did he? no, he got into the fray. he put the towering reputation on the line. he stood at the barricades if you will forgive an old-fashioned word, valiant, valley and to last. a funny thing, of course he was irritated and sometimes outraged at what he saw. but i never saw him pessimistic.

even at his great age, he still believed it all. jefferson's aquarium called nothing was so nearly infallible as the deliberate will of the free people. he believed that. he knew it wouldn't be easy but he thought if we in the news and nation he loved in the deepest corner of his heart were vigilant and courageous enough all would come right in the end. that's when i began to understand something i didn't know before. it was not important that we trusted walter. what was important was that walter trusten -- trusted us and

the behest and burden for those of us left perhaps that was it. his trust in us. there would be one more dinner. it was just this last march and time was running out. betsy was already gone. walter wasn't going out much anymore. we thought we would give it one more try. same restaurant. this time dinner. it took herculean efforts by walter and great friends of his, arlene and joe wan and others. i wasn't sure they would make it. meter was nina. we waited. there they were. they showed up, all smiles. he got to the table before the rest of filled up. walter had his back to their room. i wish you had been there. years fell away. great stories, wonderful laugh, talk about the future and then it was time to go and pulled her

stood up -- walter stubbs and faced the room. for the first time customers knew who they were having dinner with. there was that familiar solent whisper that went from table to table, recognition. and walter walked into the exit. i am sure he didn't see what nina and i did. they went to the exit, we were trailing behind, and as we followed, and as walter walked out the door, one by one of the customers began to stand up. they stood up. they didn't say anything. they didn't applaud, they just stood up because that's what you

do when a gentleman is leaving the room. [applause] [applause] >> thank you. this is tough following the marine band, jimmy buffett, president clinton. but i wouldn't be anywhere else in the world right now. president obama, president clinton, members of walters extended family and across

america, nancy, cathy and chip i know how proud you were to be the children of walter and betsy and i want to begin by thanking you for sharing him with all the rest of us, especially my generation of journalists who in so many ways walter cronkite was he was the godfather who showed us the way to the good journalists, good family man, and good citizens without none of those roles canceling out the others. also, walter cronkite was a seminal force in the transformation of this country. i was personally witness that as a teenager in a remote region of the great plains i didn't see television on till i was 15-years-old and it was a small black-and-white set in the corner of the dining room. but it changed my life. because in many ways, walter

cronkite and all of those early pioneers that lived in the land and chose the wide world and allowed us to understand more clearly and coherently, and in some cases to leave those places and come here. in the past several weeks there have been so many testimonials to walter's long career, his passion to the high standards of journalism, his love of the sea and sailing, his enthusiasm for being walter cronkite, for having the good life that he earned and richly deserved. there is little i can add to all of that. instead today i would like to remember another character of this man who was born in missouri, educated in texas who lived in the world and corrupt to be the most questioned man of america by the vote of his countrymen. i would like to commemorate his capacity for friendship that transcended cultures coming generations, and yes, even

competitive lines. we are witness to that in this remarkable gathering today in this room and across the country of course. not just in the famous faces and big names. to the end of his life, walter also had time for a call or even launch with foot soldiers of cbs news who were long removed from his daily needs. and of course, there were those legendary french ships that went beyond the work day. his university of texas classmate, eli wallach, the great actor is with us here today. [applause] my colleague and great friend, the late gordon manning, and of course -- [applause] and of course, andy rooney, whose friendship with walter --

[applause] -- his friendship with walter went more than 65 years back to world war ii. personally, to those of us who came along later, the quality of those friendships were lessons as important as the legacy of quality journalism. bob schieffer and i have been friends 35 years and for the rest of our lives we would like to have the kind of friendship that walter and andy rooney had. we just can't decide who gets to play in the ready. [laughter] i was a beneficiary of -- my interview with mikhail gorbachev, the only by a secretary of the party. and modestly is it a big gap and i was concerned how it would be received. as soon as the prime time hour in did, the phone rang and the

first call and a voice said well that was magnificent. in my anxiety i didn't immediately recognize the voice and i said who is this? [laughter] there was a roar of laughter at the eckert and and the familiar voice continued, who is this? it is walter cronkite for god sakes. how soon they forget. [laughter] no homage to walter would be complete without thanks to the women in his life, joe and at the end of course, marlene who could teach rahm emanuel a thing about being chief of staff. [laughter] [cheering] and of course, the memorable and utterly adorable betsy three

[applause] narrative likes to remind me often how important betsy was to his success because she was careless about keeping his anchor man eager in check. most famous is when they moved from a town house to a high rise and bits he confided to a friend she would miss the townhouse. the friend said of course. so many great memories and betsy replied as a matter of fact, no, no, not that. i will miss the backyard where i'd. all of the plaques and awards walter keeps getting. [laughter] it was always a lift to see them in town and they didn't miss much from broadway to movie premieres. when borut opened her comedy called quote kill you got mail stop quote the film with tom

hanks and meg ryan walter went up to her and cost later that was terrific, just the kind of film we don't see often enough these days. betsy standing off to the side looked and said not me, i wanted more violence, more blood and guts, shoot them. [laughter] we don't get those kind of films these days. [laughter] and then betsy gave her the little lopsided smile that made her so endearing. i always loved walter as a journalist right out of the front page. he had a romantic idea of what it was like to be a journalist. he also had that wonderful old-fashioned attitude about new york city. after dark, the city to be used tall times. he once told me when he was anchoring the cbs news one morning on the way to work he would stop at the coca khanna in them we hours of the morning. i thought to myself how dashing

is that? having breakfast there? i shared that with acs friend who replied knowing walter's way, that just meant poco was by eating his breakfast. [laughter] to those of those that follow the era of walter and all the great people at cbs news, and pardon me, but also the legends at nbc, which had and david and all of our great colleagues as well, there are constant and wearing reminders how much we owe you that. we could hold our head height because the high standards the established. and walter as i learned personally, that was a standard and presence that travel very far. he had been out of the anchor show for some time when i went to the middle east to report on the is really a return of the sinai to the egyptians. a small group of jewish settlers was holding out and a compound

not allowing anyone to approach. it was a kind of a general store ought to far away, and as it happened it was operated by a man who had watched me in california when he was living in pasadena. he offered to be my intermediary so he sent on a two-way radio to the compound, tom brokaw would like to interview you. there was a background wast( ofr hebrew and pardon myñiñi yiddish accentjf here --ñi [laughter] -- the spokesman came on and said so who is tom brokaw. [laughter] my new friend looked at me and he said that he was the most important journalist and american. the spokesman came back company

is the s famous and as important to as walter cronkite? i laughed. i said to my new friend, radio them back, no. and he never will be. god bless you, walter. walter. [applause] this is a simple song of remembrance for the man who was the most welcome a visitor in every one of our living rooms. ♪

♪ and that's the way it is forever in my mind ♪ ♪ you would set sail on some adventure ♪ ♪ just to see what you would find ♪ ♪ sailing toward the new horizon ♪ reaching for the distant star ♪ and the nation shares your journey ♪ ♪ boy, we traveled far ♪ in search of truth

♪ the questions were answered and trusting they were right ♪ ♪ yes, you were there ♪ you told our story ♪ and now it is time to say good night ♪ ♪ goodnight ♪ and that's the way it is ♪ i will miss your voice of reason telling us what we should know ♪ ♪ but life is worth of the living ♪ ♪ the truth will keep us free ♪ and we shall keep on sailing ♪ but the wonders we will see

♪ in search of truth ♪ the quests for answers ♪ and trusting that the quest use it was right ♪ ♪ yes, you were there ♪ you told a story ♪ and now it is time for us to say good night ♪ ♪ and search of truth ♪ the quest for answers ♪ and trusting that the quest to use it was right ♪ ♪ yes, you were there ♪ you told a story ♪ and now it's time for us to say good night ♪

♪ we will keep sailing around the bend ♪ ♪ request will never end ♪ and that's the way it is the common good friend ♪ ♪ [applause]

>> and good morning, everyone. it is a joy and donner to be here with all of you today. the summer of 2006 was the summer i got to spend some quality time with a very special guy. walter cronkite asked me to dinner, with all due respect to my late husband i think i had never been quite as excited to go out on a date as i was that august night. we met in the ballroom of the four seasons, and while it was a lovely setting, it made chatting at challenging. the fountain was filled with old faithful, the crowd was huessy and the acoustics were absolutely dreadful. i was worried this was not the perfect place for a man of advanced years who have trouble hearing. his lovely for and joanna was sitting next to walter and

helped reiterate at close range my torrent of questions. mike trepidation and was quickly replaced with relief as we talked about united press where my father had also covered politics, the norbert trials, the war in iraq, the state of journalism, everything from american politics to "american idol." nothing got lost in translation. it was so clear that even as he approached 90, walter cronkite was a brilliant man with an insatiable curiosity about the world and the people in it. i was overwhelmed sitting across from the anchor, the man for whom the term was coined whose very presence defined the job. he could not have been more enthusiastic or supportive. he may have been an older man, but he was never a part of the

old boys' club. history sometimes has a way of placing a filter on memory, a sort of soft lines on the way it really was. mortality and our attention for idealizing those who have died can often transformed even mediocre man into giants. but this passing has required no selective recollection or hyperbole. it's been a pure joy to celebrate and remember walter cronkite for the way he really was. and it's been inspiring over this past month to witness a well-deserved and much-needed rebroadcast of walter's on parallel to life and career. in superlatives what has surfaced repeatedly like a buoy marking his coast line, is his extraordinary sense of fairness, his ever-present humanity, and his complete and utter lack of

pretense. he learned about these things at the early age. his father had zero tolerance for prejudice of any kind. clearly a man ahead of his time in the jim crow texas of the 1920's. in his autobiography walter describes his father's disgust when he watched a man in the so-called poor society punch a young black delivery boy in the face. walter senior quickly said we are going now. his father's indication that young walter wasn't better than anyone gave him appreciation for everyone and he carried with him for the rest of his life. through walter cronkite's eis, the country was an expanded campus of the thomas hart mural,

his favorite artist. it was a hard-working humble americans he most revered and respected. when he chip was a young boy he went to a yankee game with his dad on the subway and vividly remembers how impressed his father was to meet a medal of honor recipient. heroism, hard work and humility trump's celebrity every time. she never missed an opportunity to think a high school teacher or shake the hand of a construction worker. he was an uncommon man who never lost touch with a common man. sorry, my office did in july of here. we've heard much about walters contribution to journalism but the measure cannot be measured in stories broken, declines met or presidents product. the job description journalist his daughter kathy told me was no doubt a big part of who he was, but by no means all he was. he was a husband and father who

could disengage from his job and focus entirely on his family. and although this was we could be tethered to our work by technology something tells me even today he might accidently leave his blackberry in a drawer. he was a man that bought his daughter nancy the lovely ocean by swimming while she climbed on his back like a baby monkey. he was a man that helped shape learn to tail and not by picture this, tying a bag boy will first truffles styles even after he steered the boat. walter was a man who played board games like glue and risk with laser light focus but a notoriously bad speller he avoided scrabble like the p-l-a-g-u-e [laughter] sorry. he could have beaten me i am sure. sometimes the kids enjoyed most

when his dad was recognized for whom he wasn't. everyone at disneyland thought he was walt disney. [laughter] which, for a kid -- [laughter] -- for a kid of course had much cachet. after a few times, he decided he would fire it at the 13 colonies instead. walters loving and playful relationship with his wife of nearly 65 years was legendary as u.s. already heard today. his children would be, talking to betsy, when he would do an

impromptu waltz around the living room. as nancy tell me, that are so many wonderful memories. we had so much fun. walter cronkite had an off- camera like that was rich, full, and vibrant. in many ways, his real-life experiences shaped the man that we all knew. no longer -- no wonder why we thought he was one of us, he was. walter found his heart and captured hours and he will live there forever. [applause]

>> mr. president, obama and clinton, the cronkite families, many friends, when the space age was born, the story of spaceflight was often told by the voices of those who reported it as much as those of us who flew. walter cronkite, along with the jewels bergman and roy neal told those stories with distinction and clarity, often connecting viewers in wages astronauts and engineers could not. flight after flight, walter was there as a comforting presence when the mission was assessed, and on those painful times when failure came calling, he talked

as all through it all. as each of our missions gain new discoveries and build new leadership for america in the great race with russia and adversaries, when neil and i landed on the moon, walter told viewers every step of our flight, explain each procedure said that the watching world knew exactly what was coming next. with his usual in sight, context, and color, he made voyages to the moon very real for the average american. such journalism takes not just skill and experience, but passion. storytelling was walter cronkite's passion, just as flying in space was mine. each of us as a special, unique story of walter.

one of my favorites is the time when lois and i'm visited the greek island of rhodes and the summer of 1987. we strolled down a deserted street in a small village, the only other person they're walking toward us. and as we passed each other, we both paused and looked back at the other, walter, is that you? walter said, buzz, is that you? i introduced him to lois and told him we were engaged to be married. when i told him our wedding date was valentine's day, he chuckled and said, buzz, i did not realize you are so romantic. whereupon lois said, walter, he

has been on the moon. of course he is romantic. [laughter] of all the places to run into the anchor man of the cbs evening news bears' 20 years before with barely concealed emotion and a tear in his side described our line in on the moon -- our landing on the moon 40 years ago this july 20. when we were in quarantine on the aircraft carrier, the flight doctors showed us the television news cast along with walter's. i pat neal on the shoulder and pointed out and said, neil, we

miss the whole plane. -- we missed the whole plane. -- holstein -- the whole thing. of course we were out of town. the story of those pioneering flights, mercury chairman jim nie, apollo, and the robot probes that test -- mercury, jim nie, apollo, and the robot probes that tested the air flights, i was proud to call on for cronkite a friend. we enjoyed us special dinner with walter and betsy at their home in martha's vineyard. in addition to his passion for sailing, our legacy in space was his calling, too.

all of us who flew in space are grateful for walter cronkite's belief in science. his dedication to the story, and his commanding presence that made every step in space exciting for americans of every age. and that's the way it was, walter. and always will be. [applause] >> the biggest thing on my mind these days the death of walter cronkite marion my life will not be the same without it. walter was my friend. walter and i met in london in

1944, covering the eighth air force. we took the train to bedford with our friends, three of the best reporters there ever were. i like water from the first time i ever met him, and we often ate together on fleet street in london where our offices were only two blocks from each other. walter joined cbs in 1950,, recruited by edward r. murrow. i went to work for cbs in 1948. walter let the evening news in 1981, 64 years old. i guess that was the start of his most famous years. two or three nights a week, one organization or another would present him with some kind of a war or honor. one of the best things about giving him an award is that he always liked it. he was genuinely appreciative when someone gave him something.

walter was one of the few people who had worn out three tuxedos getting awards. he would be a -- he would love to be here now to hear a say nice things about him. when i was suspended from cbs many years ago for something inappropriate water called me and said i'd like to use whatever residual goodwill i have with the american people by seat -- by being seen with you in dinner tonight. i'm honestly named a documentary "mr. britney goes to dinner." i 8 in copenhagen one time with a friend. he is a smorgasbord experts. >> this is a danish something. that is what i was looking for.

>> you go back a minimum of three times? >> i think so, i think the average guy would, probably. in the desert where the -- any restaurant where the dessert table a product like this, the reaction of the same. i shouldn't. oh, no, i shouldn't irritate that way -- take that away. i don't even want to look at that. >> walter would invite us to join him in bed see on his sailboat. once while we were sailing in maine several years ago, we tied at near an little village and water and betsy went into a country store. this strange looking character comes up and asks a welter of question toward walter was always fought -- polite to his fans.

we're not really close friends. i talked to him once in awhile. walter and betsy then went outside and that he says, did you hear what he asked about? walter did not hear very well and said, no. betsy said, he asked if you knew jesus christ. another time, walter saw someone on short waving his arm. the way back smiling and kept going. in another 30 seconds, we hit bottom. water looked around and said, what happened? i replied, that guy was yelling low water. he said, i thought he was saying, hello, walter. i've seen walter in 10,000 situations in 1944 and he was good in almost all of them. he was a great anchor man, because his greatest contribution was not just his knowledge or his expertise, as great as those were. it was his holding to what was

important. every writer, every news man or woman, secretly hopes that he or she will have some good influence on the world. it is a preposterous wish, of course, but my friend added. if it can be said about any individual in our business that he had been a force for good in the world, walter cronkite was that person. >> i met walter cronkite during the world cup and i invited him to a grateful dead concert.

he loved it. he said, he was think of 1000 excuses did leave, but i cannot think of one now. you guys really get to people. thank you, water, and he invited me to his house, and that is where our love began. 22 years now, he was a great drummer and he loved to drum. one of his last great freedoms. and he would say to me in quizzically, well, mickey, when do we know we have the groove? [laughter] what does it feel like? it is hard to explain the power of rhythm and music. wofford, you know when we get it. three or four years later, we were playing. he played before dinner and after dinner for anybody that what through the door, subject to the drum. as mike wallace and probably

attest to. we were deep in the groove and he said, i got it. and that is all he said. well, walter, this rhythm was one of his famous ribbons -- favorite rhythms and we're going to play it for you. walter, my dear friend, on we dodge. -- bon voyage. [drumming]

>> good morning. what seems like a lifetime ago, i was one of walter cronkite's foot soldiers. i had a fear that cbs news executives and made a mistake. that is what working for walter cronkite and cbs these men. it really was not a job but more like a calling. for most of us, getting hired by sea ebbed -- cbs news was getting selected for a religious order. the jesuits come to mind. [laughter] he was never really abbas and sat me down and said that he wanted to show me what to do and how to do it. he did not have to do it. i could see every evening on the news at 6:30. walter was our leader. his dna contains the basic

ingredient essential for good journalism, curiosity. walter was also workaholic. on many of those nights when i wall -- when i worked late, walter would still be at his desk when i left. he led by example. his passion and george was in fact u.s. and so was the basic belief in the news -- was in fact was -- infectious, and so is the basic belief that news was important and had to be reported accurately, fairly, and timely. .

>> basnight walter arrived, i went to his room and he came into the room in his boxer shorts and asked if i wanted a drink. this was the first time i had traveled with walter on iran and seeing old iron pans in his boxer shorts was a little shocking. [laughter] reason i am telling this story is it says something about the man. walter was comfortable in his own skin, comfortable with people. especially the people with cbs news. if your paycheck came from cbs, you were family. we went to pakistan because walter felt it was important that pakistan was potentially dangerous. this was 20 years before 9/11.

walter was president. -- president -- precedent. what i did not know was that walter was important to the veterans. they would ask for his autograph for a picture as if he were one of them. walter pulled me aside and said we would never get a story if he hung around so we left. the story came first. we stumbled across a better and that was searching for a friend's grave and we followed him. he took out a small container of american soil and scattered over the grave and started talking to his old friend. when we showed walter the tape, he cried. walter was amazing. he loved his country. he loved his job.

and he left cbs news. it is hard to believe that it has been 30 years since walter cronkite left the news. since then, three generations have grown up, not knowing his voice. [applause] >> when i went to work for walter in 1971, it was a new experience for both of us. from my perspective, there i was, the first woman producer on the cbs evening news. wow. from his perspective, there she is, the first woman producer on the cbs evening news, hmm. [laughter] because i was a woman did not concern walter. as long as i did my job.

one day i was assigned to be a catcher. i was in new york assigned to take a report and match it with pictures. the problem was, and i told the producer in the field, that the narration was not written to the pri -- -- to the pictures that we had. the next thing i knew, the phone rang and a voice was one he would recognize immediately, walter. what was the problem, he wanted to know. i took a deep breath and said that i think we could make this work better with a few changes and to shorten this paragraph. walter pause for what seemed an eternity. it was really just a moment. he said that we should make those changes and not because it is a woman's lib thing. [laughter] he had boundless energy for the

news, no matter what the story. here is something you probably do not know about him. for a man who covered presidents and men on the moon, he still got excited about the most basic stories of fire. he loved a good fire. when the alarm rang, the firefighters responded and so did walter. there were plenty of fire stories on the evening news and he handled each one as special. here is something else that might surprise you. walter was unaffected by his position. his -- as big a celebrity as he was, he still got excited about other famous people. one time in los angeles, i took walter to dinner and in whose name did i make the reservation? mine. >> that is what we found ourselves at the end of a long line. unfortunately, the host recognized walter and broad as to the front.

-- brought us to the front. i was executive producer of a two-hour special called "walter cronkite remembers." i commented that he was like forest gump, he chuckled. a footnote, i heard that during the a memorial service for ed bradley, walter lynde over to someone and said that they will never do that for me. well, walter, we did, and we hope you're enjoying it. [applause] like many of you here today, i feel blessed to be part of this.

in a way, we are keepers of the flame. i worked for walter for six years until 1980, traveling with him at times. all of us a socially producers were proud to say we were cronkite's. 27 years later, i returned as executive producer and the question people ask me most is what has changed in all these years. my answer is plenty. the technology, the finances, the faces on the screen in the never ending [unintelligible] >> one thing has remained constant and is that -- is that flame. a constant reminder to stay true to the standards set walter davis. to get the story not only first, but to get it right.

to be respectful of our viewers. back in walters time, we did not begin our evening newscast with headlines. headlines are designed to bring viewers in, to tell them what is special about that night's program and to give them a reason to watch. we did not need headlines for that. all we needed was our announcer to proclaim, "direct from our newsroom in new york, this is the cbs news with walter cronkite." as to the future of eason newscasts -- evening newscasts, walter would think the of were on the way out. he would think they have lost their focus but never their mission. walter nothing is more important to a democracy than that. he took that responsibility very

seriously. and we still do. i would like to end with one story about walters playful side. one night, after the evening news, walter came into the fish bowl and found a number of us, including our executive producer taking phone calls. he has what was going on. we explained that viewers were calling to complain about something he said that night. walter listened and we listened. then walter said that you may be right. maybe walter has gone too far. you cannot make it up.

maybe he should be disciplined. walter went on a railing about walter and the caller amazingly aware that he was talking to walter, appear to be changing his tune. now it was the caller who began to defend walter. to chastise this employee who got on the phone and was not being loyal enough to the man who paid his salary. walter let this caller defend walter for a bit and then he said that maybe he was right. walter is really a good man -- good man. apparently, so did the caller. walter thank him and the gun up and he looked at us and he said that is how you do it.

[applause] >> do you know who would have loved this day? walter. what today is. mr. president, and mr. president, members of the cbs family, member of walter's family, the other day, walter's grandson, who is a proud member of the cbs washington bureau now, working this summer as an intern, came into my office and ask me, what was it like when my grandfather was here? i tried to tell him, and the first thing i told him was, it was fun. we all wanted to be there. his grandfathers' enthusiasm captured us all. walter cronkite was the most curious man i have ever met. he always wanted to know

everything about everything, and he wanted to know it before everyone else knew it. that was the spirit that settled on to the washington bureau and the cbs news. there was a downside to this. many of these questions that walter would ask, and he would ask the questions -- he could always come up with questions that nobody else would think to ask. unfortunately, as some of the people who were around in those days would tell you, he always managed to ask these questions about 10 minutes before the news was getting ready to go on the air, and we were all trying to get our pieces together. then we would get one of these questions. we came to call them w.w.'s, walter wants to know. here are some of the questions he actually asked.

how much oil is there in the world? [laughter] in poland, did they call him father christmas' or santa claus? and my all time, personal favorite, how long is greenland? walther used to call us when we were on the beat, and one day he called me and asked a question for the first time since i had been at cbs that i could actually enter. i gave him the answer, and then he said, thank you bob, this old gray head just had a question mark above it. he really talked that way. i tell you that, because walter cronkite off-camera was exactly

like walter cronkite on camera. how many times have we seen people on television, or we have seen them in the movies, and thought they were one way, and they turned out to be another way? not walter. walter was exactly the way we all saw him on television. as someone said, walter cronkite was the way we wanted him to be. he loved news. he loved journalism. he loved to talk about it, and that was the infectious part. that is what set the spirit for cbs news. i never saw walter cronkite be rude to a stranger, and he was not -- it was not just courtesy. walter like to talk about the news, and if somebody came up to him and wanted to talk about it with him, he wanted to talk to them. if there's one thing he liked more than talking about the news to just someone who would approach him, it was talking about the news over a drink. he loved to get together with his friends and talk about the

tall tales of journalism. i shall never forget one night at a book party here in new york. i was standing over in a group and talking to peter jennings and dan rather and tom brokaw. we are having a big time, and i thought it would be a great picture if i could get walter over there with all of the anchors of the day and get their picture together. i asked if he would come over and get a picture with all these guys. he looked at me and said, could you tell them to come over here? i am trying to get a drink, and i do not want to lose my place at the bar. [laughter] he really said that. if walter love anything more than talking about the news, it was getting unused scoop, especially if it was his scoop. i will never forget, in 1976

there were two big stories that year. there was a presidential campaign, president ford against jimmy carter, and there was a new flu vaccine, and it was making so many people sick that we began to wonder, or these government officials who are telling us all to take this stuff going to take it themselves? in the middle of all this and in the middle of the campaign, president ford came up here to new york one day. they made up some excuse for why he was coming, but the real reason he was coming up here was to be interviewed by barbara walters, who was a host of the today show at that time. in walters mind, his most formidable competitor, a view that i shared at that time. barbara interviewed president ford, and then apparently she put out the word to the white house staff that if any of them

allowed anyone to interview president ford before her interview aired the next morning on the today show, that person would be killed. [laughter] apparently, i mean that is what they told me, barbara. being reporters, we all said about to try to find some way to bust barbarous scoop. i went to the press secretary who said of course not, we have given our word to barbara walters. then the worst thing that could possibly happen, happened. i had to explain to walter that barbara walters was about to do an exclusive interview with him. >> he said i understand that president ford is going to be up at yonkers later today. is there any way i could come up there and watch him on the campaign trail? >> what was i going to say, no, we have all under control?

i said of course, we would be delighted. i knew what was coming next. >> bob, is there any way you could get me an interview with the president? i knew it was going to be tough. i went back to the press secretary and just laughed. i cannot think of anything else to do, so i went to the president's chief of staff. i called him dig in those days. i would later call him mr. vice-president, dick cheney. i said i was in a real bind, walter cronkite is coming up and he wants to interview the president. he said bob, there is no chance whatsoever. we have given our word to barbara walters. i asked if he could just get walter in to say hello to the president. i said i know that he would get

a kick out of seeing walter. he said he would squeeze him in. i said, do you think there is any possibility we could get a camera crew in there with him? just a little souvenir for walter. he said bob, i have towed to, we are not going to authorize an interview. he said all right, i will let you do that, but i am not authorizing in the interview. so at the appointed time, we showed up at the back door and they sneaked the camera crew an altar in there. -- and walter in there. walter took the microphone in his left hand, while up to the president with his right hand, shook hands, and said hello, mr. president, are you going to take your flu shot? [laughter]

president ford just stifle a -- stifled a laugh and said yes, walter, i am. i really think it is up to those of us in government to set a good example. i am going to take a flu shot. by this time, the white house staff was trying to wrestle the crew to the ground. we were hustled out of their. that night, the cbs evening news began with these words. good evening, president ford told me in an exclusive interview on the campaign trail tonight -- [applause] that he would take his flu shot, and then we actually ran that interview, all nine seconds of it. my friends, walter cronkite loved the news, and we love walter cronkite for it.

what a man. [applause] >> mr. president, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, and of course, chip, nancy, kathy, and the entire cronkite family. walter had a famous love of ships, all kinds, from his treasured sailboat to even big

boats like the historic world war ii aircraft carrier that we have here in new york city, the intrepid. you could often fine motor osh find walter -- find walter sitting at the edge of the intrepid pier on the hudson river, watching as the ships came in from around the world, or as the u.s. armed forces arrived for the celebrationshe was very gracious to us and was frequently the master of ceremonies for many special international events. he would marvel at the men and women who served on those mighty ships, and was so supportive of their dedication to america. a world war ii correspondent himself, his face lit up when he met the men who served on the intrepid and who were part of her proud story.

he quickly became an honorary member of the intrepid family. when the intrepid's founder, zack fisher, died, walter cronkite agreed to be the master of ceremonies at his memorial service. i phoned maureen adler, who was his trusted an extraordinary and extraordinary -- and extraordinary chief of staff, and i want to thank her again. where did we find altered? -- where did we find walter? out on his ship. he was sailing when we found him, and we had the coast guard bring him back to new york for the service. he said to that, oh boy. these men who are on the stage

today are part of the 50,000 americans who served on and also courageously defended the intrepid in world war ii. walter and his family. lineage of men who saved in the intrepid from five kamikaze attacks and one direct scorpio attack. 270 of their fellow sailors sacrificed their lives in service to our country on her helloed deck. -- how dek -- hallowed debt. -- hallowedsailors like senator john mccain. after all that, the flight deck

had to be taken up. everything had to be taken up. they came from across the country to take young children on tours of the monday ship and to tell their stories of their ship and their friends. walter always loved that. the crew members wanted to give walter something unique, something that paid tribute to his friendship, his trusted character as our nation's anchor his steady hand at the helm as he navigated us through underwater and his position as the most credible newsman of their time. today, we will present the flag that was flown at half staff from the main mast of the intrepid of the day of walters passing. walter told all of us in the world that president john f. kennedy had died, he spoke into

a microphone that looked just like that one. our team members and master craftsman and former crew members wanted to give walter and his family something from within the intrepid, because he was such a great part of it. and indeed, walter was intrepid. the microphone is made from a long leave yellow pine, antique wood from about of the ship. it is wrapped with stainless steel strips from the kitchen dally. -- a galley -- galley. the stainless screws come from the captain's gig. the copper riser is a high- pressure line from the aircraft refueling system, and manganese bronze base is a protected cap from an 8 inch naval gun that blasted away in world blastedii. the flight deck holding the

microphone is 145 years old and comes from the bow of the historic in traffic. -- intrepid. walter had many titles, son, husband, father, companion, grandfather, anchor, reporter, a sailor, and patriot. one time we want to add to that -- one title we want to add to that today is distinctive. it is the title sailors get to people that care about so much and that they love, and that is the title of shipmate. in honor of those men who saved the ship, those who are serving today in a -- in afghanistan and iraq in harm's way that we know walter loeb, and who love ship walter loeb, and to love -- walter loved, and who loved

walter, we would like to ask the family of walter cronkite to please come to the stage to represent -- please join us in welcoming to the stage the family of man who millions of americans saw as their shipmate, for some of the very stormy seas of our nation. please join us in welcoming walters family, his children chip, nancy, kathy, and his beloved grandson's, peter, walter, john, and william. [applause]

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>> my sisters and i and our families thank the intrepid museum, and especially these decorated former crew members for this great honor. dad would have been very proud. he wore the uniform of a war correspondent and reported from the north atlantic, north africa, western europe, southeast asia. he flew in flying fortresses and be 57, landed in gliders, and rode with patton. wherever and whenever america

was at war, my father thought we all had important role to -- roles to perform. he saw the role of the press as the eyes and ears of the american people at the front line. he saw the role of government as making sure that the press was allowed on the front line. as he wrote in his autobiography, this is neither too much for a free press to ask nor too much for the army of a democracy to give. finally, he saw the role of the american people as recognizing that it is our right, our duty to fully understand what our fighting men and women are being asked to do in our name. thank you, president obama, for your presence here today and for your kind words when dad died. thank you, president clinton, for your friendship over the years. that would have been touched by today's reminiscences of friends and colleagues, pleas by the -- pleased by the musical

numbers, and ratified by the splendid occasion organized by cbs, the company work force -- the company he worked for for almost 60 years. [applause] [applause]

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[applause] >> thank you. thank you. thank you very much. thank you very much. to ship, kathy, and nancy, who graciously shared your father with the nation that loves him, to walters friends, colleagues, proteges, and only considered -- all who considered him a hero, to the men of the intrepid, to all of you who are

gathered here today, i am honored to be here to pay tribute to the life and times of the man who chronicled our time. i did not know mr. cronkite personally, and my regret is made more acute by the stories that have been shared here today. nor, for that matter, then i did i -- nor, for that matter, did i know him any better than the tens of millions returned to him -- who turned to him each night in search of the answer to a simple question, what happened today? but like them, and like all of you, i have benefited as a citizen from his dogged pursuit of the truth, his passionate defense of objective reporting, and his view that journalism is more than just a profession.

it is a public good, vital to our democracy. even in his early career, walter cronkite resisted the temptation to get the story first in favor of getting it right. he wanted to get it first, but he understood the importance of getting it right. during one of his first jobs in kansas city, his program manager urged him to go on the air reporting a massive blaze, and we just heard how much he loved fires, a massive blaze at city hall that had already claimed the lives. -- claimed the lives -- claimed liveswhen walter reached for the telephone, his boss asked, what are you doing? get on the air. walter replied that he was calling the fire department to confirm the story. you do not need to convert permit, mumbai is watching the whole thing. -- you do not need to confirm it, my wife is watching the whole thing. walter discovered it had been nothing more in that a small --

then a -- nothing more than a small fire that did not result in any injuries. he lost his job, but he got the story right. walter was not afraid to rattle the high and mighty, but he never dared compromise his integrity. he got along with elected officials, even if they were wary of one another's motives. one politician once remarked, walter, you have to believe me, fully 85% of what i told you today is the absolute truth. [laughter] he shared a complicated relationship with presidents of both parties who wanted him on their side, even as they were convinced that he was not.

president johnson called walter from time to time to voice his death -- his displeasure over a certain story, but walter knew if he was receiving was ever as complaints from both sides, he must be doing his job. his endless in acquisitiveness about our world, i could imagine, came from a mother who sold encyclopedias for a living. as a boy, walter spent countless hours getting lost within their pages, sidelined by new entries that renshaw from one another, fascinated by the world around us and how it worked. that is the way he lived his life, with curiosity, exploring our planet, seeking to make sense of it, and explaining it to others. he went everywhere and he did everything. he raced cars and boats. he traveled everywhere from the amazon to the arctic. he plunged 8,000 feet below the sea, trek 18,000 feet up into the himalayas, and experience weightlessness in the upper reaches of our atmosphere, all with one mission, to make it

come alive for the rest of us. as our world began to change, he helped us understand those changes. he was forever there, reporting through world war and cold war, marches and milestones, scandal and success, calmly and authoritatively telling us what we needed to know. he was a voice of certainty in a world that was growing more and more uncertain. through it all, he never lost the integrity or the plain spoken speaking style heat develop growing up in the heartland. he was a familiar and welcome voice that spoke to everyone of us personally. it may have seemed inevitable that he was named most trusted man in america, but here is the thing. that title was not bestowed on him by a network. we were not told to believe it by some advertising campaign. it was turned -- it was earned

by year after year and decade after decade of painstaking effort, a commitment to fundamental values, his belief that the american people were hungry for the true, -- hungry for the truth, unvarnished, and unaccompanied by theater or spectacle. he did not believe in dumbing down. he trusted us. when he was told of this extraordinary honor, that he was the most trusted man in america, he naturally downplayed it by saying that people had not told -- people had not tolpolle his wife.

after his return, he still ranked first in seven of eight categories for television journalists. he was disability that he had not won the eight categories, -- the eighth category, attractiveness. [laughter] through all the events that came to define the 20th century, through all or moments of deepest heard and brightest -- deepest hurt and brightest hope, walter cronkite was there, telling the story of the american age. this is how we remember him today, but we also remember and celebrate the journalism that walter practice, a standard of -- walter practiced, a standard of honesty and integrity and responsibility to which so many of you have committed careers. it is a standard that is harder to find today. we know this is a difficult time for journalism.

even as appetites' for news and information grow, newsrooms are closing. despite the big stories of our era, a serious journalist find themselves all too often without a beat. too often, we fill the void with instant commentary and celebrity gossip and the softer stories that walter disdained, rather than hard news and investigated -- investigative journalism he championed. what happened today is replaced with who won today. the public debate cheapens. the public trust balder's. -- the public falters. -- the public trust falters. we fail to understand one

another as we should. we seem stuck with a choice between what cuts to our bottom line and what harms us as a society. which price is higher to pay, which cost is harder to bear. this democracy, walter said, cannot function without our reasonably well informed electorate. that is why the honest, objective, meticulous reporting that so many of you pursue with the same zeal that walter did is so vital to our democracy and our society. our future depends on it. walter was no night idealist. no not leave -- walter was known by yno naive idealist.

he understood the dentation facing journalists. he was excited about all the high-tech stories that would emerge. we find ourselves wondering how he would have covered the monumental stories of our time. in an era where the news that city hall is on fire could sweep around the world at the speed of the internet, would he still have called to double check? would he have been able to cut through the noise of the blogs and the tweeds and the sound bites to shine the bright light on substance? could he still over the -- offer the perspective that we value?

we have been able to remain a singular figure in an age of dwindling attention spans and omnipresent media? somehow we know that the answer is yes. the simple values walter cronkite set out in pursuit of, to seek the truth, to keep us honest, to explore our world the best he could. they are as vital today as they ever were. our american story continues. it needs to be told. if we choose to live up to walters example, if we realize that the kind of journalism he embodied will not simply rekindle itself as part of the natural cycle, but will come alive only if we stand up and demanded and resolve to value it once again, that i am convinced that the choice between profit and progress is a false one, and that the golden days of journalism still lie ahead. walter cronkite invited the nation to believe in him, and he never betrayed that trust. that is why so many of you entered the profession in the first place. that is what the standards he set for journalist still stand, and that is why he loved and

valued all of you, but we love and value walter, not only as the rest of men, but as an indispensable pillar of our society. he is reunited with his beloved betsy now, watching the stories of this century unfold with boundless optimism. every so often, punctuating the air with a gleeful "oh boy." we are grateful to him for altering an illuminating our time, and for the opportunity he gave to us to say that yes, we, too, were there. thank you very much. [applause]

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>> coming up on news makers, senator bingaman and in a tribute to senator edward kennedy. and later, on president obama talks about the q&a risk of americans living -- christopher caldwell on europe. >> monday, on losing their coverage if changes washington journal >> also, a look at the response, one year later to the collapse of lehman brothers with the chairman of the commodity futures trading commission. later, a discussion