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performance in one of the most exciting Rose Knute Rockne, Bear Bryant, and Pop War- Bowls in history. A team that never lost its ner. poise and never lost a game. Charles Wood- Congratulations, Coach, and thank you for son was terrific all season long, and deserved not only all the wins, but for the way you to be the first primarily defensive player to did it and the example you set. win the Heisman Trophy. The outstanding Coach Osborne. defense was complemented by a fierce of- fense, quarterbacked by Rose Bowl MVP [At this point University of Nebraska coach, Brian Griese. Tom Osborne, thanked the President and I’d also like to say a word about Coach made brief remarks. The new Cornhusker Carr. The man who brought Michigan its first coach, Frank Solege, and team captains championship in 50 years, he has quickly es- Grant Wistrom, Jason Peter, and Aaron Tay- tablished himself as one of the best coaches lor then presented gifts to the President.] in college football. Congratulations on taking The President. It’s beautiful. Thank you. the Wolverines to the championship in only Now, what are we supposed to do? Usu- your third season. ally, I’m supposed to—we’re going to go out Now I’d like to introduce you, Coach, to here and do the receiving line and the pic- say a few words. tures, right? Coach Carr. Thanks again for coming. Congratulations [At this point, University of Michigan Coach to both of you on a magnificent year. And Lloyd Carr thanked the President and made thanks for all the thrills you gave the rest brief remarks. Wolverine cocaptains Jon Jan- of us who sit in the stands and watch on tele- sen and Eric Mayes then presented gifts to vision. Thank you very much. the President.] The President. Thank you. As long as I NOTE: The President spoke at 5:37 p.m. in the East Room at the White House. In his remarks, can be on injured reserve for the next game. he referred to President Lee C. Bollinger, Univer- [Laughter] Thank you. sity of Michigan, and Chancellor James C. And now, a team that lived up to all the Moeser, University of Nebraska. great traditions of Nebraska football. The Cornhuskers’ overwhelming victory in the Orange Bowl was a fantastic finish to an Statement on the Resignation of John undefeated season. The offense put 42 points on the board, led by tailback Ahman Green’s Garamendi as Deputy Secretary of 206 rushing yards, quarterback Scott Frost’s the Interior three rushing touchdowns. April 9, 1998 The 206 yards registered with me because I was in the stands in the Orange Bowl in It is with regret that I accept the resigna- 1978 when Roland Sales of Arkansas rushed tion of John Garamendi as Deputy Secretary for 205 yards. [Laughter] of the Interior. The Nebraska defense also did a magnifi- For almost 3 years, John has been a very cent job in stifling the Peyton Manning-led important member of my administration and offense of Tennessee that had been so strong has successfully handled some of the tough- all year. est and most complicated issues in one of For Coach Tom Osborne, the Orange the largest and most important agencies in Bowl victory marked a spectacular close to the Federal Government. From California a spectacular 25-year career that included water issues to the protection of Headwaters three national championships and 255 wins. redwoods, John’s ability to find common Tom Osborne is truly one of the great leg- ground and creative solutions has been a ends of college football. His name now will great asset. inevitably be ranked in history along with I wish him the best for the future.

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Message on the Observance of While in captivity, American prisoners of Easter, 1998 war have served our Nation with the same April 9, 1998 valor, pride, honor, and dedication as their comrades on the battlefield. American Warm greetings to everyone celebrating POWS have struggled for their freedom, Easter. armed with courage, wits, and an indomitable Just as nature renews the earth each spirit. Enduring long months or years of hun- spring, so does the celebration of the res- ger, abuse, torture, isolation, and the dread- urrection of Jesus Christ enliven our spirits. ful suspense of not knowing when—or if— During this holy season, Christians across they would ever be released, they have re- America and throughout the world rejoice at mained true to themselves and to our coun- the good news of salvation and the re-cre- try. ation of God’s perfect world. This year we commemorate the 25th anni- On this day of hope and joy, we are also versary of Operation Homecoming, when we in the midst of one of the most challenging finally achieved the release of our prisoners and exciting periods in our nation’s history. of war from captivity in Southeast Asia. We From the life of Jesus, we can draw strength also mark the anniversary of Operations Big for the vital tasks that lie before us: to unite Switch and Little Switch some 45 years ago, our nation of diverse races, cultures, and when Americans held captive during the Ko- backgrounds; to widen the circle of oppor- rean War finally came home. As these heroes tunity for all our people; and to build lasting returned to the open arms of their families bridges of understanding and respect among and the grateful hearts of their fellow Ameri- the nations of the world. cans, we saw written on their faces their deep As Americans gather at sunrise services love for our country and the faith, determina- and in churches across the country, Hillary tion, and sense of honor that had sustained joins me in extending best wishes for a them through times of unimaginable suffer- blessed Easter. ing. Bill Clinton We can never adequately express our grati- tude to those who have served our Nation NOTE: This message was made available by the while prisoners of war or to their families Office of the Press Secretary on April 9. who experienced such anguish during years of separation. But on this day, and through- Proclamation 7079—National out the year, we can and should pay tribute Former Prisoner of War Recognition to these extraordinary American patriots, Day, 1998 thank them for their service and their sac- rifice, and honor them always in our hearts. April 9, 1998 Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, By the President of the United States President of the United States of America, of America by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United A Proclamation States, do hereby proclaim April 9, 1998, as Engraved on the Korean War Veterans National Former Prisoner of War Recogni- Memorial in Washington, D.C., are the tion Day. I call upon all Americans to join words ‘‘Freedom Is Not Free.’’ Generations me in remembering former American pris- of Americans who have served our Nation oners of war who suffered the hardships of in uniform know the truth of this inscription. enemy captivity. I also call upon Federal, They have paid freedom’s price by leaving State, and local government officials and pri- behind their homes, families, and civilian vate organizations to observe this day with lives to serve America around the globe. appropriate ceremonies and activities. They have paid the price by suffering injuries In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set and even death. And some have paid the my hand this ninth day of April, in the year price for our freedom by sacrificing their own of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety- as prisoners of war. eight, and of the Independence of the United

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