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Farewell To A Leader

American soldiers in Bosnia were delighted early this month when 200 Big Macs magically appeared instead of the usually dull Army food. The tasty surprise was cooked up by Commerce Secretary Ron Brown. Brown was in Bosnia to help U.S. businessmen look for opportunities there. But in a gesture that was typical of the Secretary, he took the time to bring smiles to homesick soldiers.

Sadly, that good deed was his last. On April 3, Ron Brown died along with 12 business leaders and 22 others when their plane crashed during a storm near Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Last week Americans gathered to remember this remarkable man. Brown grew up in New York City's Harlem. His father managed a famous hotel there. As a child, Brown met jazz stars, athletes and African-American leaders.

A confident, charming man, Brown had a knack for success. He became an influential lawyer in Washington. He was the first African American to head the Democratic Party and the first to serve as Secretary of Commerce. He played a key role in the election of President Bill Clinton. As Secretary, he helped American industries in the U.S. and abroad.

Brown was buried last week at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Thousands waited in line to pay their respects. "Ron Brown's incredible life force brought us all joy in the morning," said Clinton. "As we remember him, may we always be able to recover his joy."

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