Remembering to thank our troops is a good thing. It would be even better
if we would remember, as our Secretary of State never fails to do in
any country she visits, to thank as well our foreign service officials
who serve
unarmed every bit as patriotically as our military.
Statement on the Death of American Personnel in Benghazi, Libya
Press Statement
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
September 12, 2012
It
is with profound sadness that I share the news of the death of four
American personnel in Benghazi, Libya yesterday. Among them were United
States Ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens and Foreign Service Information
Management Officer, Sean Smith. We are still making next of kin
notifications for the other two individuals. Our hearts go out to all
their families and colleagues.
A 21 year veteran of the Foreign
Service, Ambassador Stevens died last night from injuries he sustained
in the attack on our office in Benghazi.
I had the privilege of
swearing in Chris for his post in Libya only a few months ago. He spoke
eloquently about his passion for service, for diplomacy and for the
Libyan people. This assignment was only the latest in his more than two
decades of dedication to advancing closer ties with the people of the
Middle East and North Africa which began as a Peace Corps Volunteer in
Morocco. As the conflict in Libya unfolded, Chris was one of the first
Americans on the ground in Benghazi. He risked his own life to lend the
Libyan people a helping hand to build the foundation for a new, free
nation. He spent every day since helping to finish the work that he
started. Chris was committed to advancing America’s values and
interests, even when that meant putting himself in danger.
Sean
Smith was a husband and a father of two, who joined the Department ten
years ago. Like Chris, Sean was one of our best. Prior to arriving in
Benghazi, he served in Baghdad, Pretoria, Montreal, and most recently
The Hague.
All the Americans we lost in yesterday’s attacks made
the ultimate sacrifice. We condemn this vicious and violent attack that
took their lives, which they had committed to helping the Libyan people
reach for a better future.
America’s diplomats and development
experts stand on the front lines every day for our country. We are
honored by the service of each and every one of them.
