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Let me express my sincere gratitude to Cardinal Puljic, for so readily allowing us to hold this ecumenical service of commemoration in the Cathedral. I also want to thank all of you who have come to join in celebrating the memory of twelve dear friends and colleagues. In the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral in London are written the words, "if you seek a monument, look around". To the families of those whose lives we wish to commemorate today, I say to you, "Look around". All of us are here out of love, admiration and respect for what your loved ones meant to us as human beings and as professionals engaged in the pursuit of peace. We share your loss. We share your grief. We share your despair. And we share your pride in their achievements. On behalf of everyone in the Office of the High Representative - whether in Sarajevo, or in our regional centers, in Banja Luka, Brcko, Mostar, Tuzla and Brussels - I extend to the families our most sincere condolences. Our sense of loss covers both, the personal and professional domain. Leah Melnick worked in this region for several years. She had a warm, glowing personality and deep humanity which inspired her work in the support of enjoyment of Human Rights, for all the people in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Thomas Reinhardt was a young diplomat from the Foreign Ministry in Bonn who had already contributed to the search for peace in this region. He had only been with us in Sarajevo for two days when his life was brought to a tragic end. Charles Morpeth was a young ex-army officer at the threshold of a new career, who brought to his duties a particular enthusiasm and a relentless pursuit of practical solutions. Progress in policing and in freedom of movement around this country has a lot to do with his commitment and determination. Jurgen Schauf was a skilled professional, responsible for the security of the last two Germans Deputies. His profession requires selflessness and courage, he had both in abundance. And dear Gerd Wagner. A skilled diplomat of the highest caliber. Intelligent, kind, patient, with a wonderful sense of humor, he had quickly gained the confidence and respect of all those whom he had to deal with. His unique talents and his potential for contributing to the establishment of peace throughout this region are irreplaceable. You have lost your beloved husbands, fathers, sons and daughter … in addition to four of my finest colleagues, I lost a friend and my best aide. Of those who died in wars between nations, it is often said: "they died for their country". The lives of those whom we mourn today do indeed reflect honour on the countries and the cultures which shaped them. But theirs was not the pursuit of national self interest. They were unselfish members of a community, striving to bring peace and stability to this region. We honour them today. Let us pray that peace and reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovina will be their true and lasting memorial. Those who are left behind are poorer without them but richer for having known them. Whatever our nationality, we must commit ourselves to achieving the goal to which they had dedicated themselves, and for which they so tragically gave their lives.
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