Secretary Clinton’s Statement on the Passing of Richard Holbrooke

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Secretary Clinton’s Statement on the Passing of Richard Holbrooke

December 13, 2010 by still4hill

Passing of Richard Holbrooke

Remarks

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State

Washington, DC

December 13, 2010

Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke passed away this evening, surrounded by his wife, Kati, his sons David and Anthony, his step-children Elizabeth and Chris Jennings, his daughter-in-law Sarah, and the rest of their family.

Secretary Clinton released the following statement on his passing:

Tonight America has lost one of its fiercest champions and most dedicated public servants. Richard Holbrooke served the country he loved for nearly half a century, representing the United States in far-flung war-zones and high-level peace talks, always with distinctive brilliance and unmatched determination. He was one of a kind — a true statesman — and that makes his passing all the more painful.

From his early days in Vietnam to his historic role bringing peace to the Balkans to his last mission in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Richard helped shape our history, manage our perilous present, and secure our future. He was the consummate diplomat, able to stare down dictators and stand up for America’s interests and values even under the most difficult circumstances. He served at every level of the Foreign Service and beyond, helping mentor generations of talented officers and future ambassadors. Few people have ever left a larger mark on the State Department or our country. From Southeast Asia to post-Cold War Europe and around the globe, people have a better chance of a peaceful future because of Richard’s lifetime of service.

I had the privilege to know Richard for many years and to call him a friend, colleague and confidante. As Secretary of State, I have counted on his advice and relied on his leadership. This is a sad day for me, for the State Department and for the United States of America.

True to form, Richard was a fighter to the end. His doctors marveled at his strength and his willpower, but to his friends, that was just Richard being Richard. I am grateful for the tireless efforts of all the medical staff, and to everyone who sat by his side or wished him well in these final days.

Tonight my thoughts and prayers are with Richard’s beloved wife Kati, his sons David and Anthony, his step-children Elizabeth and Chris Jennings, his daughter-in-law Sarah, and all of his countless friends and colleagues.

Posted in Hillary Clinton, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State, state department, U.S. Department of State | Tagged Hillary Clinton, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Richard Holbrooke, Secretary of State, State Department, U.S. Department of State | 10 Comments

10 Responses

on December 13, 2010 at 10:50 pm | Reply discourseincsharpminor

So sad and a great loss for the country. He spoke at my cousin’s college graduation. If I had known then what an important figure I was listening to, I would’ve paid more attention.

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on December 13, 2010 at 10:58 pm | Reply still4hill

I feel so bad for his family, too. I remember being to impressed with something his wife wrote, and until this happened I didn’t know she was married to him. They must have been some couple together!

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on December 14, 2010 at 12:20 am | Reply rachel

http://www.politico.com/blogs/laurarozen/1210/Clinton_aides_gather_to_remember_Holbrooke.html?showall

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- on December 14, 2010 at 12:27 am | Reply still4hill
  
  Thank you, Rachel. Heavy hearts lighten when someone lights a candle – that’s so Hillary.
  
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  - on December 14, 2010 at 12:41 am | Reply discourseincsharpminor
    
    What a sweet thing to do.
    
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    - on December 14, 2010 at 12:44 am | Reply still4hill
      
      It was. I’m sure that what they all needed most was to be together. Hillary is so thoughtful.
      
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on December 14, 2010 at 1:44 am | Reply PCFS

Such a great loss to our country. May he rest in peace.

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on December 14, 2010 at 6:53 pm | Reply robyn cope

my prayers go out to his family

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on August 17, 2014 at 8:40 pm | Reply Hillary Clinton’s ‘Hard Choices’ Retrospective Part Three: Chapter 8 Afghanistan: To End a War | Still4Hill

[…] Secretary Clinton’s Statement on the Passing of Richard Holbrooke […]

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on November 2, 2015 at 9:43 pm | Reply ‘The Diplomat’ Premieres on HBO | Still4Hill

[…] Holbrooke died during Hillary’s tenure at DOS, and his son, David, has made a documentary about his father’s remarkable life and career called The Diplomat. It premiered tonight on HBO and is excellent. Both Bill and Hillary Clinton were interviewed at length along with many who worked with Holbrooke. It is an excellent piece. I give it five stars and expect it to receive awards. Don’t miss it! […]

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