"The people of the central Utah mining community have inspired us all with their incredible strength and courage in the face of tremendous loss. Last night, a difficult decision was made to end the search. Laura and I are deeply saddened by the tragedy and continue to pray for the families of these men."
— President Bush, in a statement issued Sept. 1

'"Only one who has experienced what you have experienced can truly appreciate what you are feeling. Sometimes the greatest power that faith can have in our lives is when it gives us the ability to endure the vicissitudes of life as they unfold before us. In our faith we can find the courage to cope and the will to move on."
— Elder M. Russell Ballard, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, speaking at a Sept. 9 memorial service for the miners

"Ronald Reagan was a president who inspired his nation and transformed the world. He possessed a rare and prized gift called leadership — that ineffable and sometimes magical quality that sets some men and women apart so that millions will follow them as they conjure up grand visions and invite their countrymen to dream big and exciting dreams."
— Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney

"It was absolutely the right tribute by the right people."
— Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah

"It was a beautiful service."
— Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg, daughter of John F. Kennedy