Obama Pays Tribute to 4 Killed in Libya

September 14, 2012, 3:39 pm

By PETE BAKER

WASHINGTON - Four flag-draped coffins bearing the bodies of the Americans killed in Libya arrived in the United States on Friday for their final journey home as President Obama said the victims “laid down their lives for us all” and vowed to honor their memory by never retreating from the world.

In a solemn ceremony at Joint Base Andrews outside the capital, Mr. Obama and his national security team stood at attention as the coffins were first carried by Marine honor guards off a military plane that had flown them home from Libya and were later lifted into four hearses while a military band played “America the Beautiful.”

The arrival, broadcast live on news channels, proved an emotional cu lmination to an episode that has rocked Washington and American embassies around the world. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton looked stricken and seemed to be fighting to control her emotions as she and the president addressed an audience of family, friends and colleagues inside a hangar at the air base. Mr. Obama, himself somber, put his arm around her shoulders in comfort.

“Four Americans, four patriots â€" they loved this country and they chose to serve it and served it well,” the president said. “They had a mission, and they believed in it. They knew the danger, and they accepted it. They didn't simply embrace the American ideal; they lived it, they embodied it.”

Also on hand for a ceremony the likes of which has been a painful ritual for Americans over the years were Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, Ambassador Susan E. Rice and former Secretary of State Colin L. Powell.

< p>Mr. Obama offered a few words on each of the slain Americans. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens was “everything America could want in an ambassador.” Sean Smith, a Foreign Service officer and an Air Force veteran, “lived to serve.” Tyrone S. Woods, a former member of the Navy Seals providing diplomatic security, was “the consummate quiet professional.” And Glen A. Doherty, also a former member of the Seals providing security, “never shied from adventure.”

Mr. Obama said the United States would bolster security and work with the Libyans to bring to justice those who killed the Americans. But he said the tragedy should not discourage America from playing a leadership role in the world.

“Even in our grief we will be resolute, for we are Americans,” he said. “And we hold our head high knowing that because of these patriots, because of you, this country that we love will always shine as a light unto the world.”

Mrs. Clinton echoed th ose sentiments. “We will wipe away our tears, stiffen our spines and face the future undaunted,” she said. “And we will do it together, protecting and helping one another just like Sean, Tyrone, Glen and Chris did.”

All four worked for her, and she spoke slowly and with evident emotion as she paid tribute to each. She noted that she personally knew Mr. Stevens, praising his “goofy but contagious” smile, his “California cool” and, mostly, his dedication and courage.

“What a wonderful gift you gave us,” she told his family. “Over his distinguished career in the Foreign Service, Chris won friends for the United States in far-flung places. He made those people's hopes his own. During the revolution in Libya, he risked his life to help protect the Libyan people from a tyrant, and he gave his life helping them build a better country.”

Her voice grew stronger again as she called on leaders in the Middle East to fulfill their obligations to protect diplomatic posts. “The people of Egypt, Libya, Yemen and Tunisia did not trade the tyranny of a dictator for the tyranny of a mob,” she said. “Reasonable people and responsible leaders in these countries need to do everything they can to restore security and hold accountable those behind these violent acts.”