For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
June 12, 2004
President Bush Salutes Remembers President Reagan in Radio Address
Audio
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This week, America mourned the
passing of President Ronald Reagan. We remembered a gentle, decent
man, and one of the greatest leaders our nation has known. He was a
courageous patriot whose leadership transformed the country and the
world he leaves behind.
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In this time of sadness, we think especially of Nancy Reagan, a
loyal, loving wife of 52 years; and the President's three children, and
the rest of the Reagan family.
Ronald Wilson Reagan entered the world more than 93 years ago in an
apartment above a local bank in Illinois. His life would include
success in careers from sports broadcasting to film acting to public
office. Along the way, his deepest convictions were formed. And
through all the trials of life, those convictions never wavered.
Ronald Reagan believed that everything happens for a reason, and
that we can trust in God's purposes. He believed that people are
basically good. He had no tolerance for bigotry or injustice. Above
all, he believed in the courage and triumph of free men and in the
capacity of the American people to overcome any obstacle.
President Reagan brought those convictions to the White House in
1981, and he departed eight years later with achievements that have
endured. With bold, persistent action, he restored the confidence of
our nation, strengthened the spirit of free enterprise, challenged and
shamed an oppressive empire, and inspired millions with his conviction
and moral courage.
As he showed what a President should be, he also showed us what a
man should be. Ronald Reagan carried himself with a decency and
attention to the small kindnesses that also define a good life. He was
a courtly, gentle, and considerate man, never known to slight or
embarrass others. From the Oval Office, he took time to answer letters
from schoolchildren and grandmothers and countless strangers curious
about life in the White House.
Ronald Reagan deeply loved the United States of America. And that
love is being returned. Over the past week, tens of thousands of
mourners stood in line in California and in Washington, D.C. to pay
their final respects. There were 21-gun salutes and dignified
processions, and home-made memorials at a funeral home in Santa
Monica.
Now that Nancy Reagan has taken her husband to his place of rest,
we offer our gratitude. Our country is stronger and our world is freer
for the brave leadership of this modest son of America. Ronald Reagan
always told us that for America, our best was yet to come. We know
that is true for him, too. His work is done. And now a shining city
awaits him.
May God bless Ronald Reagan. Thank you for listening.
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