Steve Frazier
06-09-2004, 11:48 PM
This past week's events have left me with both a feeling of sadness but at the same time immense pride for being able to experience President Ronald Reagan's service to our country. I've felt the need to honor him somehow, but I can't attend any of the ceremonies planned for him. So, in addition to my thoughts and prayers I'll honor him here.
I turned 18 in 1978, so Ronald Reagan was the first President I was able to vote for in 1980. When I registered, I was an Independent, but had been brought up in a Republican family. I didn't know much about politics and didn't want to commit to a party. President Reagan showed me what it meant to be a Republican with his patriotism, optimism and love of freedom and country.
His positive outlook followed 4 years of Americans hearing what a turmoil this country was in, his message was "We are America, we can do what we set out to do!" America listened, and along with economic stimulus' we began to prosper. I recall the company I worked for expanding from a ho-hum grocery chain to a high end food market with sales tripling what they were in the 70s. There was a building boom in this area that has only recently been matched, and I was making a good living!
President Reagan's contributions to foreign affairs have made Communism nearly irrelevant. Both the USSR and East Germany fell during his term, much of the impedes came from his steadfast policy of "Peace through strength". His ideas of the SDI defense system caused mayhem among the Russian leaders and led to their downfall.
Above all else, Ronald Reagan was a man of convictions and truly believed that every American could succeed at their goals if they put their heart in it. He didn't check polls and never wavered from what he believed was right and best for America.
In listening to comments this week by those who had worked with him and others who had met him casually, I'm even fonder of him than before. Even those who disagreed with his politics have kind words to say about him.
President Reagan will be remembered as one of the most effective President's in modern history and it is likely to be some time before we see a man of his caliber again. Though he is at peace now, he will be sorely missed. How fortunate we are to have been blessed with his service and leadership, this would truly be a different country had he not been elected.
Happy trails, Ronald Reagan, God Bless You, may we meet again......
Anyone else who would like to contribute to this tribute, feel free to do so.
Those with other needs will find accommodations elsewhere in this forum.
I turned 18 in 1978, so Ronald Reagan was the first President I was able to vote for in 1980. When I registered, I was an Independent, but had been brought up in a Republican family. I didn't know much about politics and didn't want to commit to a party. President Reagan showed me what it meant to be a Republican with his patriotism, optimism and love of freedom and country.
His positive outlook followed 4 years of Americans hearing what a turmoil this country was in, his message was "We are America, we can do what we set out to do!" America listened, and along with economic stimulus' we began to prosper. I recall the company I worked for expanding from a ho-hum grocery chain to a high end food market with sales tripling what they were in the 70s. There was a building boom in this area that has only recently been matched, and I was making a good living!
President Reagan's contributions to foreign affairs have made Communism nearly irrelevant. Both the USSR and East Germany fell during his term, much of the impedes came from his steadfast policy of "Peace through strength". His ideas of the SDI defense system caused mayhem among the Russian leaders and led to their downfall.
Above all else, Ronald Reagan was a man of convictions and truly believed that every American could succeed at their goals if they put their heart in it. He didn't check polls and never wavered from what he believed was right and best for America.
In listening to comments this week by those who had worked with him and others who had met him casually, I'm even fonder of him than before. Even those who disagreed with his politics have kind words to say about him.
President Reagan will be remembered as one of the most effective President's in modern history and it is likely to be some time before we see a man of his caliber again. Though he is at peace now, he will be sorely missed. How fortunate we are to have been blessed with his service and leadership, this would truly be a different country had he not been elected.
Happy trails, Ronald Reagan, God Bless You, may we meet again......
Anyone else who would like to contribute to this tribute, feel free to do so.
Those with other needs will find accommodations elsewhere in this forum.