FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                          AG
MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 1997                            (202) 514-2008
                                               TDD (202) 514-1888
                                 
             STATEMENT BY ATTORNEY GENERAL JANET RENO

     I am saddened by the death of our colleague, Gerald B.
Roemer.

     Jerry worked at the Department of Justice in a number of
capacities over the last six years.  Diagnosed with AIDS at age
22, he taught us all about perseverance, choosing to complete law
school and work here.  Jerry went on a retirement disability in
late 1994 but had the strength to return to the Department last
year.  As Jerry put it, he "unretired."

     Jerry touched all of us at our World AIDS Day events in 1993
and 1996.  I enjoyed participating with him on an issue so
important.  He humanized the experience of living with AIDS,
demonstrating courage and hope to all.

     Jerry's spirit, intellect and good humor will be missed.  I
am honored to have known him, and we should all be honored by his
service to our country.

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