Clinton, Dole Honor America’s War Dead

President Clinton honored the nation’s war dead Monday by asking Americans to overcome their divisions and remember that they are joined by common bonds and common purpose.

Clinton spoke at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia on a day when his presumptive Republican presidential opponent, Sen. Bob Dole of Kansas, traveled to New Jersey for a memorial service and for some campaigning. Dole brings his campaign to California today for a rally in Ontario.

“Today is a time to remember what joins us as one America,” Clinton said under drizzling skies.

He recalled that the practice of honoring America’s fallen began near the end of the Civil War, when America was divided.

Clinton also asked Americans to remember those who lost their lives in behalf of their nation during peacetime. He spoke of Commerce Secretary Ronald H. Brown, who died in a plane crash while on a mission to the Balkans in April; 14 people killed in the crash of two Marine helicopters at Camp Lejeune, N.C., three weeks ago; and Adm. Jeremy M. Boorda, who committed suicide this month.

He paid tribute to Americans serving today in or near Bosnia-Herzegovina, Haiti, Iraq, Liberia and the Central African Republic.

Meanwhile, Dole visited Clifton, N.J., where he laid a wreath at Chelsea Memorial Park honoring the city’s combat dead. Rep. Bill Martini (R-N.J.), the local congressman, hailed him as “a war hero . . . who came home and built a better America.” Dole later appeared at a community picnic in Kenilworth, southwest of Newark.

No other holiday in this presidential election year affords Dole the ready-made opportunity to be favorably compared to Clinton, who avoided the draft during the Vietnam War.

Dole pointed to the differences in their service records, commenting: “I can’t change his record, and he can’t change my record.” Dole, who was gravely wounded in Italy during World War II, told reporters: “These are facts. I am proud to have served my country.”

Dole called Memorial Day “a very proud day, a very proud day” for “those who served anywhere under the American flag.”

“Today is a day we remember and honor all the great American kids who gave their lives and limbs,” Dole said. He also warned against isolationist tendencies, saying: “Think where we’d be today had America not entered World War II.”

Dole also said he has strong disagreements with Clinton over cuts in defense spending. “We know we have to cut defense,” he told reporters. “But we think he’s going too far the other way.” Dole has called for a missile-based defense system that Clinton has said is impractical and would be a drain on other defense spending.

Dole recalled that he and many other soldiers had trained with broomsticks because of equipment shortages. “That should never happen in America again. We must be prepared.”