THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, November 12, 1996 TAG: 9611120257
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: ARLINGTON LENGTH: 41 lines
President Clinton promised Gulf War veterans Monday the government will keep searching for an explanation of the illnesses that many of them have suffered. ``There are mysteries still unanswered, and we must do more,'' he said.
During a Veterans Day observance at Arlington National Cemetery, Clinton noted 26,000 disability cases among Gulf veterans and said the veterans all deserve full explanations for their ailments.
``I want to assure all of you that we will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to investigate these cases,'' he said.
``The United States will not forget the people who have served us. We will discharge our obligations to those who served in the Persian Gulf.''
Since the end of the war in 1991, thousands of veterans have complained of health problems such as memory loss, fatigue, diarrhea and insomnia known collectively as ``Gulf War syndrome'' and attributed to chemical and biological weapons used by Iraq.
In a draft report, the Presidential Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses found no evidence of a syndrome but recommended an independent investigation.
At Arlington, Clinton placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns, standing with an ungloved hand over his heart on a sunny but cold day. Later, he led the gathering in applause for the military service of his Republican presidential challenger, Bob Dole, who lost the use of his right arm as a result of World War II wounds.
``He refused to withdraw from the world and instead dedicated his life to serving the American people,'' Clinton said.
Looking out across the cemetery expanse dotted with white headstones, Clinton praised the sacrifices made by veterans of different backgrounds.
``They stand as stunning evidence that our founders were right: We are all equal in the eyes of God,'' Clinton said. ``That is something we must continue to practice until we get it right.''
KEYWORDS: GULF WAR ILLNESS VETERANS DAY by CNB