Hi all! It’s Presidents Day. As you may know, I worked as an intern with President Reagan’s office in California, after he was President. (I was too young to vote—by FAR—when he was President). Anyway…when I was in college, he still worked really hard. So, I thought I’d throw out some of his quotes today.
1) The men of Normandy had faith that what they were doing was right, faith that they fought for all humanity, faith that a just God would grant them mercy on this beachhead or the next. It was the deep knowledge — and pray God we have not lost it — that there is a profound moral difference between the use of force for liberation and the use of force for conquest. Normandy, France, June 6, 1984.
2) We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them — this morning, as they prepared for their journey, and waved good-bye, and “slipped the surly bonds of earth” to “touch the face of God.” Speech about the Challenger disaster, January 28, 1986
3) Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.
4) Going to college offered me the chance to play football for four more years.
5) Government’s first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.
6) Heroes may not be braver than anyone else. They’re just braver five minutes longer.
7) I know in my heart that man is good. That what is right will always eventually triumph. And there’s purpose and worth to each and every life.
8) Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!
9) Of the four wars in my lifetime, none came about because the U.S. was too strong.
10) Some people wonder all their lives if they’ve made a difference. The Marines don’t have that problem.
President Regan needs to be remembered, so thanks for the quotes. EB
Very nice! I always enjoyed Reagan’s speeches!
Thanks for the trip down memory lane. My first year in the states, as an exchange student, was during Reagan’s last term in office, so he’s forever linked with my high school memories.
Number 8 on your list is my favorite.
I didn’t know you worked in his office! What a great experience. My favorite memory is the release of the hostages in Iran as soon as he was sworn in. Inspiring post.
You forgot “My fellow Americans, I’m pleased to tell you today that I’ve signed legislation that
will outlaw Russia forever. We begin bombing in five minutes.”
And “A tree’s a tree. How many more do you need to look at? ”
“Unemployment insurance is a pre-paid vacation for freeloaders.”
“We should declare war on North Vietnam. We could pave the whole country and put parking strips on it, and still be home by Christmas.”
“Approximately 80% of our air pollution stems from hydrocarbons released by vegetation, so let’s not go overboard in setting and enforcing tough emission standards from man-made sources. ”
Reagan should be remembered. As he was.
Loved this. I think he was a good man and a good president.