US Dept of State - Ronald Reagan: A Tribute


Reagan, who died at the age of 93, was the 40th president of the U.S. from 1981-89.

Bush Eulogizes Reagan in Service at Washington National Cathedral

Reflects on 40th president's life and political achievements

The 40th U.S. president, Ronald Wilson Reagan, "was optimistic that a strong America could advance the peace, and he acted to build the strength that mission required. He was optimistic that liberty would thrive wherever it was planted, and he acted to defend liberty wherever it was threatened." So said President Bush in a eulogy reflecting on the life and political achievements of President Ronald Reagan at a state funeral service for Reagan on June 11 at the Washington National Cathedral.

Bush recalled Reagan's early life, which he said "would see its share of hardship, struggle and uncertainty." Yet from those circumstances would emerge "a young man of steadiness, calm, and a cheerful confidence that life would bring good things." (complete text)

World Leaders Remember Ronald Reagan

Thatcher, Mulroney, Mbeki and others recall former president

Among the dignitaries who attended the state funeral at Washington's National Cathedral were British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Prince Charles, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, Irish President Mary McAleese, South African President Thabo Mbeki, former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, and former U.S. presidents Clinton, Carter, Ford and George H.W. Bush, who, like his son, delivered a eulogy.

Reagan was also eulogized by former prime ministers Margaret Thatcher of Britain and Brian Mulroney of Canada. Speaking with quiet reverence and sincerity, Thatcher said she had lost "a dear friend," calling Reagan "such a cheerful and invigorating presence." "His politics," Thatcher said, "had a freshness and optimism that won converts from every class and every nation, and, ultimately, from the very heart of the Evil Empire." (complete text)

Cheney Delivers Eulogy at Reagan State Funeral

Reagan lies in state in U.S. Capitol Rotunda

Vice President Cheney delivered eulogy remarks June 9 in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda in Washington at the state funeral of Ronald W. Reagan, the 40th president of the United States.

"Ronald Reagan spoke of a nation that was ‘hopeful, big-hearted, idealistic, daring, decent, and fair.' That was how he saw America, and that is how America came to know him," Cheney said. Cheney said Reagan's vision and will "gave hope to the oppressed, shamed the oppressors, and ended an evil empire." (complete text)