Statements by notable public figures on the passing of Sec. Eagleburger:
President Barack Obama:
“A statesman who devoted his life to the security of our nation and to strengthening our ties with allies and partners”… (who) “helped our nation navigate the pivotal days during the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War.” “Our nation is grateful for Secretary Eagleburger’s lifetime of service.” (1, 2, 3)
President George H.W. Bush:
“One of the most capable and
respected diplomats our foreign service ever produced, and I will be ever grateful for his wise, no-nonsense counsel during those four years of historic change in our world. During one of the tensest moments of the Gulf War, when Saddam Hussein began attacking Israel with Scud missiles trying cynically and cruelly to bait them into the conflict, we sent Larry to Israel to preserve our coalition. It was an inordinately complex and sensitive task, and his performance was nothing short of heroic.” (Source)
Sec. of State Hillary Clinton:
“Larry believed in the strength of America’s values, and he fought for them around the world. He was outspoken, but always the consummate diplomat. Even in retirement, Larry remained a staunch advocate for the causes he believed in. He never stopped caring, contributing, and speaking out.” (Source; also, see a May 2011 State Department event attended by both Sec. Clinton and Sec. Eagleburger here; June 21 update: Read transcript of Sec. Clinton’s remarks at Sec. Eagleburger’s funeral here; UPDATE: See full video of service below)
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Sec. of Defense Robert Gates:
“A supremely talented diplomat and public servant. And very funny. I will miss him very much.” (Source)
Congressman Robert Hurt (VA-5)
“Secretary Eagleburger was a dedicated public servant and diplomat who played a critical role in the defense and security of our country and was a strong advocate for our American way of life. As a resident of Albemarle County, the people of the 5th District and our nation will be forever grateful for Secretary Eagleburger’s tireless devotion to our country. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with his family during this difficult time.” (Source)
Former Sec. of State James Baker:
“A legend in the U.S. Foreign Service, a consummate professional who served his country expertly and with great dignity as a selfless diplomat… (he was) superb at divining trouble and heading it off. That’s why he became the first Foreign Service officer in history to rise to deputy secretary of state and later to secretary of state. Simply stated, Larry Eagleburger was as good as they come – loyal, hard-working and intelligent, a trifecta for an American diplomat.” (Source)
Former Sec. of State Henry Kissinger:
“He was a close friend, a great public
servant and the best kind of Foreign Service officer. He had a tremendous sense of humor, which helped bring a sense of proportion to diplomacy.” (Source)
Christopher Hill, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of state for East Asia
“For many of us in the U.S. Foreign Service, Lawrence Eagleburger, who died early this month, was a larger-than-life figure who left an indelible mark on our lives. Eagleburger, who served and later often closely advised a string of U.S. presidents from John F. Kennedy to George H.W. Bush — and was briefly secretary of state — went after every tough issue there was.
“His courage was matched only by his determination and humor. He wouldn’t so much vanquish his adversaries as make them melt in his presence. It was appropriate that he was the only Foreign Service officer to become secretary of state. Had he been appointed in late 1992 for longer than the interregnum between the Bush and Clinton administrations, he arguably would have been the best secretary of state the U.S. ever had.” (Continue)
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If you know of any other statements by prominent figures on Sec. Eagleburger from the past, or in regards to his passing, please email them to jonsutz@yahoo.com.
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