memorial service of the august 1998 bombing in dar

Above US Ambbassador to Tanzania John Lange delivering his speech. Below the Ambassador with one of the survivors of the bomb blast lay a wreath at a memorial
Delivered by Ambassador John E. Lange.
Venue: U.S. Embassy,

Dar es Salaam

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Thank you all for coming to this ceremony today,and particular thanks to Ambassador Green and his staff for organizing this event.It is a distinct pleasure for me to be back in Tanzania and to be with so many old friends and colleagues,even as we come together to commemorate such a sad occasion.For those of us who were here in Dar es Salaam on the day of the bombing, the tragedy stays with us.

I still remember that warm, sunny,peaceful day.That peace was shattered in an instant. And the horrific bombing is seared in the memories of anyone who was in Dar es Salaam on that day, as well as those who were in Nairobi.

I know that everyone in this audience who went through that bombing can describe exactly what happened to them at that moment: 10:39 a.m. on Friday,August 7,1998.

As we meet today to pay homage to our colleagues,friends and family members who were killed or injured,I also think it is appropriate to reflect on the tremendous support provided to those who were in need.I am not here to present a comprehensive list of people and organizations to thank,but I believe it is important to recognize that the Government of Tanzania,the emergency and hospital services,the diplomatic corps,and many,many others immediately came to our aid.

In particular,I remember standing outside of the Embassy,minutes after the bombing, when Foreign Minister Jakaya Kikwete,now His Excellency President Kikwete,came to offer his condolences and support.

I still remember the memorial service at Washington National Cathedral, held five weeks after the bombings,honoring the victims of the twin blasts.Attendees at the Cathedral included the President of the United States,the Vice President,and the Secretaries of State,Defense,and Health and Human Services.

And the date of that memorial service now has a double meaning for us all: it was held on 9/11(September 11,1998).

In the best traditions of the U.S.Foreign Service,the Department of State, and the U.S. government,U.S.operations continue in newly built Embassies here and in Nairobi. The Department of State continues its large-scale program to improve security at all of our missions abroad.

Sadly,since August 1998 there have been other deadly terrorist attacks in many parts of the world, and,I shudder to think,there may be more such attacks in the future.Several of the perpetrators of the August 7th attacks subsequently were brought to justice at a federal trial in New York City.

Dr.Susan Hirsch,an American Fulbright scholar whose husband, Jamal,was killed in the bombing while she herself was in the Embassy building,is with us here today.She has written a book entitled,In the Moment of Greatest Calamity Terrorism,Grief,and a Victim's Quest for Justice.I would like to thank Susan for her efforts and help as we all engage on that search for justice.

Over the years,there have been ceremonies in Dar es Salaam,Nairobi,Washington, and elsewhere to commemorate the simultaneous attacks on two U.S.Embassies.Every such ceremony is a particularly emotional time for all of us who were part of that day of terror, trauma and tragedy.

A couple of years ago,I received an email from an American member of the Foreign Service now serving at another U.S.Embassy in Africa.“I do go to Dar,”she wrote“…and each visit is very emotional. I am not sure if I will get over it or if I even want to.The moment and place is a part of my life,so more than likely it will be with me forever.”

One of the Tanzanian Foreign Service National employees told me several months ago,“I don’t like to think about sad things,but rather share the positive things.The bombing brought us closer and made us stronger human beings.It made us realize how precious human life is.”

And last week I received a message from another American Foreign Service Officer, now retired,who will be attending the ceremony in Washington with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice that will take place later today.“John,”he wrote,“I will be thinking [of] you and all of our friends and colleagues in the Dar Mission. I deeply regret I won't physically be there to personally embrace each and everyone,especially those who suffered that tragic event.I wish I could be there to embrace the loved ones who lost their mothers,fathers,sisters,brothers and other relatives on that awful day.”

On his behalf,I embrace you all.
Thank you again for coming.
This is a poignant day for all of us
Embassy of The United State in Dar es Salaam
Tanzania