STATEMENT BY SECRETARY OF DEFENSE WILLIAM S. COHEN ON THE PASSING OF SEN. JOHN H. CHAFEE

"Senator John Chafee was a valued friend, a talented Navy Secretary, Governor and Senator, a valiant Marine, a New England gentleman, and one of the finest people I've ever known. His death is a great loss to the Senate and to this nation.

He leaves an enduring legacy of moderation, decency, concern for the environment, and love for Rhode Island and America. Many years into the future, his life and career will be a standard against which those who aspire to public service will be measured.

Janet and I extend our most heartfelt sympathy to Virginia and the entire Chafee family at this time of loss."