A Light is Extinguished

Sometimes we are priveledged to cohabitate the Earth with greatness. We were fortunate to witness in our lives the collapse of one of the most evil systems ever devised by men, and to see the dawning of freedom throughout the World. Why did communism fail? Because several good men stood against this evil, and, by refusing to back down showed the World just how weak and corrupt it was. Pope John Paul II was one of the principles in the final destruction of the Communist system. Before his courage, his moral authority, and his righteousness the tyrant and the oppressor simply crumbled. We owe John Paul II an enormous debt of gratitude. He was a man history will place among the greatest of Heroes. We were blessed and honored to walk the Earth with such as John Paul II. He was a giant among men. A great light has been extinguished.

I thought it appropriate to reprint the text of the President`s statement and proclamation honoring the Pope:


STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT ON THE DEATH OF POPE JOHN PAUL II

The Cross Hall

THE PRESIDENT: Laura and I join people across the Earth in mourning the passing of Pope John Paul II. The Catholic Church has lost its shepherd, the world has lost a champion of human freedom, and a good and faithful servant of God has been called home.

Pope John Paul II left the throne of St. Peter in the same way he ascended to it -- as a witness to the dignity of human life. In his native Poland, that witness launched a democratic revolution that swept Eastern Europe and changed the course of history. Throughout the West, John Paul's witness reminded us of our obligation to build a culture of life in which the strong protect the weak. And during the Pope's final years, his witness was made even more powerful by his daily courage in the face of illness and great suffering.

All Popes belong to the world, but Americans had special reason to love the man from Krakow. In his visits to our country, the Pope spoke of our "providential" Constitution, the self-evident truths about human dignity in our Declaration, and the "blessings of liberty" that follow from them. It is these truths, he said, that have led people all over the world to look to America with hope and respect.

Pope John Paul II was, himself, an inspiration to millions of Americans, and to so many more throughout the world. We will always remember the humble, wise and fearless priest who became one of history's great moral leaders. We're grateful to God for sending such a man, a son of Poland, who became the Bishop of Rome, and a hero for the ages



HONORING THE MEMORY OF POPE JOHN PAUL II

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

As a mark of respect for His Holiness Pope John Paul II, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset on the day of his interment. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.