August 2004

Final Farewell to a Fallen Hero:
A Tribute to the Life of Ronald Reagan

by Mike Harmon
Candidate— Kentucky House of Representatives, 54th District

President Ronald Reagan inspired and provided hope to us all. It was after he left office, however, that I realized how he stood above other leaders when I heard a speech Reagan had given prior to being elected the first time. On tape, I heard him indicate several things he hoped to accomplish as President. As I reviewed each of his goals and promises, I realized he accomplished them all.

As you know, Reagan had battled fearlessly the ravages of Alzheimer's for over a decade when he died of pneumonia at his California home on Saturday, June 5. With him in his final hours were his wife of five decades, Nancy, and his children. Since his death, a grieving nation has watched intently the traditional ceremonies that surround the death of a fallen hero. Thousands traveled to Washington, D.C. to take part in the memorial service and say a final farewell, as the former president lay in state.

Over the course of our nation's history, Americans have conquered enemies and vanquished fears by coming together as one. We celebrate together with genuine joy and cling to our spiritual foundation in times of mourning. This heritage was no different as our nation gathered to say a final farewell to President Ronald Wilson Reagan.

"As I reviewed each of his goals and promises, I realized he accomplished them all."

As President, Ronald Reagan made us feel good about being an American. There was no apology in his voice when he spoke of the greatness of our nation, only the desire to put it to use for others. His eternal optimism single-handedly fueled the Reagan Revolution, inspiring the American people to see his campaign promise of restoring "the great, confident roar of American progress and growth and optimism," become reality through their own will.

In his first inaugural address, Reagan set the course of his time in the Oval Office when he stated, "It is not my intention to do away with government. It is rather to make it work‹work with us, not over us; stand by our side, not ride on our back. Government can and must provide opportunity, not smother it; foster productivity, not stifle it."

As a national leader, Reagan worked with congress and saw his ideas become legislation that catalyzed economic strength, increased jobs and emphasized national defense. He recognized that government functioned best when it existed for the people, not vice versa. His historic 1986 federal income tax reform eliminated millions of low-income Americans from tax rolls. At the end of his 8-year administration, our nation was enjoying its longest recorded period of peacetime prosperity without recession or depression.

As a world leader, Reagan sought to achieve "peace through strength." He realized that without a strong, well-supported military, the nation would be an easy target for tyrants and terrorists alike. Although defense spending increased 35% during his tenure, Reagan also recognized the importance of diplomacy. He sought to improve relations with the Soviet Union and negotiated a treaty that would eliminate intermediate-range nuclear missiles.

President Reagan was the first modern American President to declare war on terrorism, sending American bombers against Libya after evidence came out that the country was involved in planning and carrying out an attack on American soldiers in a West Berlin nightclub. His unique approach to domestic and international issues will no doubt be remembered in the annals of history.

However, perhaps his most amazing contribution was the ability of a single man to inspire an entire nation. He could relate to Americans of all stations, political affiliations and personal beliefs. When he spoke, we could feel his resolve deep within ourselves and the vision of "a shining city on a hill" was palpable to the nation's consciousness. He will define the American Presidency, setting the standard for those who serve our nation in that position, for centuries. I would like to conclude with the words of President Ronald Reagan, delivered to the nation in his final address:

"We've done our part. And as I walk off into the city streets, a final word to the men and women of the Reagan revolution, the men and women across America who for eight years did the work that brought America back. My friends: We did it. We weren't just marking time. We made a difference. We made the city stronger, we made the city freer, and we left her in good hands. All in all, not bad, not bad at all."


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