Remarks of Republican Leader Mitch McConnell
June 3, 2009
“Today we celebrate a great man’s life. And as we dedicate this statue in this place of honor, we affirm that man’s treasured place in our hearts and in our nation’s storied history. Many today are too young to remember what a difference he made. But rather than recite a history lesson, let me just say this: When America thought our best days lay behind us, Ronald Reagan showed they still lay ahead. When the world thought freedom was in retreat, Ronald Reagan proved that liberty was still the strongest force in history. And when many thought freedom should negotiate with tyranny, Ronald Reagan had the courage to call tyranny by its name, and to say that freedom would win.
“Ronald Reagan is remembered as one of the giants of the 20th century. He deserves our admiration. And he deserves this statue. But the real Ronald Reagan stood taller than any statue. And we know the source of that strength. She’s here with us. Nancy, together, you and President Reagan lifted our nation when we needed it most. And America is still grateful. You will always have a special place in our hearts.
“When Ronald Reagan began the journey that led to the sunset of his life, he remained optimistic about America even then. As he put it so memorably in a handwritten letter to the nation, “I know that for America, there will always be a bright dawn ahead.” Holding firm to the ideals that he embraced throughout his remarkable life we can say the same. And inspired by the example of Ronald Wilson Reagan we can pay an even greater tribute than the monument that we dedicate here today. We can build that hopeful future he always saw before him. That is the living tribute we owe this great man. It is the tribute that his memory — and this nation that he loved — deserves.”
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“Today we celebrate a great man’s life. And as we dedicate this statue in this place of honor, we affirm that man’s treasured place in our hearts and in our nation’s storied history. Many today are too young to remember what a difference he made. But rather than recite a history lesson, let me just say this: When America thought our best days lay behind us, Ronald Reagan showed they still lay ahead. When the world thought freedom was in retreat, Ronald Reagan proved that liberty was still the strongest force in history. And when many thought freedom should negotiate with tyranny, Ronald Reagan had the courage to call tyranny by its name, and to say that freedom would win.
“Ronald Reagan is remembered as one of the giants of the 20th century. He deserves our admiration. And he deserves this statue. But the real Ronald Reagan stood taller than any statue. And we know the source of that strength. She’s here with us. Nancy, together, you and President Reagan lifted our nation when we needed it most. And America is still grateful. You will always have a special place in our hearts.
“When Ronald Reagan began the journey that led to the sunset of his life, he remained optimistic about America even then. As he put it so memorably in a handwritten letter to the nation, “I know that for America, there will always be a bright dawn ahead.” Holding firm to the ideals that he embraced throughout his remarkable life we can say the same. And inspired by the example of Ronald Wilson Reagan we can pay an even greater tribute than the monument that we dedicate here today. We can build that hopeful future he always saw before him. That is the living tribute we owe this great man. It is the tribute that his memory — and this nation that he loved — deserves.”
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