FBI marks end of first century

WASHINGTON, July 17 (UPI) -- FBI Director Robert Mueller kicked off the agency's 100th anniversary Thursday in Washington by honoring agents slain in the line of duty.

Mueller and U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey addressed 2,000 people, including three former FBI directors. The event was a lead-up to July 26, when the FBI plans commemorations across the country.

Both Mueller and Mukasey focused on the FBI's role in fighting terrorism.

"Since 9/11, the FBI has worked with our partners around the world to disrupt more than a dozen planned terrorist attacks. You have helped save thousands of lives -- including travelers at JFK Airport, passengers on New York-bound flights from London, and synagogue members in Torrance, Calif.," Mukasey said "And you have earned the lasting thanks of all Americans.

Mueller celebrated the courage of individual FBI agents, including two who were killed at the World Trade Center. Before the ceremony, he placed a wreath at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

President George Bush missed the event because he was attending the funeral of his former press secretary, Tony Snow.