News>Top U.S. officials honor Americans who died in Libya
Photos
A U.S. Air Force Honor Guard ceremonial guardsman presents arms during a dignified transfer ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Sept. 14, 2012. Ceremonial guard members from all branches of the Department of Defense worked jointly to honor U.S. Foreign Service members killed during attacks to the U.S. consulate Sept. 11, 2012, in Benghazi, Libya. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Steele C. G. Britton)
Barack Obama pauses during a speech at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Sept. 14, 2012, to reflect on the lives of individuals killed during attacks to the U.S. consulate Sept. 11, 2012, in Benghazi, Libya. Obama took time with family, friends and service members at the dignified transfer ceremony to honor the sacrifices J. Christopher Stevens, Sean P. Smith, Glen A. Doherty and Tyrone S. Woods made in service to the U.S. and countries abroad. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Steele C. G. Britton)
The U.S. Air Force Band commander Col. Larry Lang conducts the Ceremonial Brass during a dignified transfer ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Sept. 14, 2012. The ceremony honored U.S. Foreign Service members killed on Sept. 11, 2012, at the U.S. embassy in Benghazi, Libya. (U.S. Air Force photo)
A dignified transfer ceremony for U.S. Foreign Service members killed during attacks on the U.S. consulate Sept. 11, 2012, in Benghazi, Libya, took place at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Sept. 14, 2012. Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton both shared remarks remembering U.S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and State Department members Sean P. Smith, Glen A. Doherty and Tyrone S. Woods. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Steele C. G. Britton)
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton speaks during a dignified transfer ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Sept. 14, 2012, for the four Americans killed in Benghazi, Libya, Sept. 11, 2012. U.S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and State Department members Sean P. Smith, Glen A. Doherty and Tyrone S. Woods were all honored and remembered for their service. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Steele C. G. Britton)
A U.S. Air Force Honor Guard ceremonial guardsman presents arms during a dignified transfer ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Sept. 14, 2012. Ceremonial guard members from all branches of the Department of Defense worked jointly to honor U.S. Foreign Service members killed during attacks to the U.S. consulate Sept. 11, 2012, in Benghazi, Libya. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Steele C. G. Britton)
by Tech. Sgt. Chyenne A. Adams
Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs
9/15/2012 - JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. (AFNS) -- Joint Base Andrews was the chosen site for a ceremony Sept. 14 honoring the four Americans killed in an attack on the American consulate in Benghazi, Libya, Sept. 11.
President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, UN Ambassador Susan Rice, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, and Senators John Kerry and John McCain were among the dignitaries present.
Hundreds of State Department employees packed a hangar on the base flightline to witness the dignified transfer of J. Christopher Stevens, U.S. ambassador to Libya; Sean Smith, an Air Force veteran working as a State Department information management specialist; and Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods, both former Navy SEALs serving in protective security roles at the consulate.
The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and Band were part of the ceremonial contingent welcoming these Americans home for the final time. Service members from all branches of the Department of Defense were represented in the Joint Color Guard that presented final honors before Clinton took to the podium.
"This has been a difficult week for the State Department and for our country," she said in her remarks. "We've seen the heavy assault on our post in Benghazi that took the lives of those brave men. We've seen rage and violence directed at American embassies over an awful internet video that we had nothing to do with. It is hard for the American people to make sense of that because it is senseless, and it is totally unacceptable.
"There will be more difficult days ahead, but it is important that we don't lose sight of the fundamental fact that America must keep leading the world," she continued. "We owe it to those four men to continue the long, hard work of diplomacy. I am enormously proud of the men and women of the State Department. I'm proud of all those across our government, civilian and military alike, who represent America abroad. They help make the United States the greatest force for peace, progress and human dignity the world has ever known. If the last few days teach us anything, let it be this: That this work, and the men and women who risk their lives to do it, are at the heart of what makes America great and good."
Obama then addressed the crowd, providing background on each of the four Americans, and offering his sympathy to the families they left behind -- including mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, wives and children.
"To you, their families and colleagues, to all Americans, know this -- their sacrifice will never be forgotten," the president said. "We will bring to justice those who took them from us. We will stand fast against the violence on our diplomatic missions. We will continue to do everything in our power to protect Americans serving overseas. Whether that means increasing security at our diplomatic posts, working with host countries on obligations to provide security, and making it clear that justice will come to those who harm Americans.
"Most of all, even in our grief, we will be resolute," he said. "We are Americans and we hold our head high. Knowing that because of these patriots, because of you, this country that we love will always shine as alight onto the world.
"'Greater love hath no man than this: That a man laid down his life for his friends.' The flag they served under now carries them home," Obama said. "May God bless the memories of these men who laid down their lives for us all. May God watch over your families and all who loved them. And may God bless these United States of America."
Comments
9/17/2012 5:02:31 PM ET It sure is a beautiful song. Have heard it in church from time to time.The hymn is called Nearer My God to Thee httpwww.youtube.comwatchvrwLl5nY5WPI
E Law, Aiken SC
9/15/2012 9:11:27 PM ET A beautiful song indeed. I too am curious to find out the name of song played in the very beginning during the dignified transfer. It was an emotion service. My deepest condolences to the families of these brave patriots and my respect and admiration to the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and to all who serve.
Adam , New York NY
9/15/2012 3:23:35 PM ET Question--- What was the name of the song played when the hearses were leaving Chris Stevens ceremony on 14 Sept 2014? It was a beautiful somber song.
