Rest In Peace, President Reagan
Tonight while driving to Chili’s I noticed a car dealership with its flag at half-mast. I was surprised to see this because I had not heard anything that would warrant it. Of course I hadn’t listened to any news so far today and I had not been online yet. When we got to the restaurant I saw images of President Reagan on the television, and then I knew. I asked the hostess if President Reagan had died, and she gave me a puzzled look. Another hostess nearby said “Yeah, Reagan died.” I have been expecting this news for a long time now, given his failing health and his struggle with that terrible disease, Alzheimer’s, but it’s still a very sad day.
I was 10 when he was inaugurated. I still remember on Inauguration day the school administration pulled all of us into the cafeteria, wheeled in televisions, and let us watch the ceremony. I was 18, still a political neophyte, when he left office. It’s only in much more recent years that I’ve come to appreciate his greatness and what he did for America, and the world. To say that he defeated the scourge of Communism, nearly single-handedly, is not an overstatement. He pulled us out of the “malaise” of the 70’s and helped us return to being the great “city on a hill” that he liked to speak of.
Tonight President Reagan is taking up residence in a city far grander than any here on Earth.
President Bush made these remarks today upon news of his passing.
This is a sad hour in the life of America. A great American life has come to an end. I have just spoken to Nancy Reagan. On behalf of our whole nation, Laura and I offered her and the Reagan family our prayers and our condolences.
Ronald Reagan won America’s respect with his greatness, and won its love with his goodness. He had the confidence that comes with conviction, the strength that comes with character, the grace that comes with humility, and the humor that comes with wisdom. He leaves behind a nation he restored and a world he helped save.
During the years of President Reagan, America laid to rest an era of division and self-doubt. And because of his leadership, the world laid to rest an era of fear and tyranny. Now, in laying our leader to rest, we say thank you.
He always told us that for America, the best was yet to come. We comfort ourselves in the knowledge that this is true for him, too. His work is done, and now a shining city awaits him. May God bless Ronald Reagan.
I couldn’t have said it any better. Rush likes to refer to President Reagan as “Ronaldus Magnus.” I like the sound of that. I bet he does too.
