Sometime in the mid 80s, I heard Ronald Reagan would be in my town, and knew his motorcade would be passing my office, which was near the airport. Quite a few of us went outside to wait, and his limo slowed for the crowd as it passed only a few feet from me. I looked in the limo, and he happened to be sitting on my side, He looked over at me and I gave him a wave..He smiled and waved back at me. Never forgot it...He had a way of making you feel like you could take on the world and win.
+my31and37 : That was a memorable experience. We loved Ronald Reagan and remember him as our Governor in CA and of course his stint with Hollywood. What a great man along of course with Nancy.
+my31and37 Governor Reagan gave a brilliant address to the Oklahoma State University and Stillwater community when I was 15. I'd been impressed with Reagan since I watched him give his "Time for Choosing" address in support of Goldwater's campaign against LBJ in '64. When he was through, I decided to go down and tell him how much I agreed with and appreciated what he'd said. He had just stepped down off to the right hand side of the stage and was apparently waiting on whoever was supposed to meet him there to leave, so I had four or five minutes with him one on one. I walked up, introduced myself and told him how great of a job he had done and why I thought it was great. He thanked me and I thought to ask him for his autograph. He pulled out his California Governor's card, felt for a pen and found a pencil instead with which he signed his business card for me. His autograph and that of a hero from the battle of Guam who was then held as a Japanese Prisoner of War labor slave for four years are the only ones I've ever wanted or asked for. I toured with and knew dozens of greats in the Blues and Rock n' Roll industry, but they were just friends and buddies. Those two were and are heroes, and neither one of them is in their graves. Their Earthsuits are, but they are with their Savior, the Lord Jesus. Won't it be nice to have another extremely high class man as the President of the United States again? Won't you be glad to be able to be proud of your President as the Commander in Chief and our servant as the Leader of our Republic? We've got that opportunity with Ted Cruz, who appears to be just as "polarizing" as Ronald Reagan was, just as feared by the Washington Cartel of the Political Whores from both parties and just as principled as Reagan was and just as bold as Reagan was. And Ted Cruz has learned from Reagan's mistakes of trusting Democrats like Tip O'Neil and Ted Kennedy. President Reagan famously and repeatedly told the Soviets under Gorbachev that in his dealings with the Soviets, he would "trust but verify". Too bad he didn't with the American National Socialist prototypes like Kennedy and O'Neil. It's time Kaisich drops out and time for the American people to get over there bedazzlement with mr. trump. Just as I supported Ronald Reagan when it wasn't "cool"to do so before he walloped Carter in a landslide and was elected, so I am now with Ted Cruz. Fair winds Ted, and following seas on your way to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
So says a guy who looks like he wasn't alive in the 80's cool story bro. the problem with the internet is everything is a conspiracy and everyone you do not like must be evil. get a grip kids and go give bernie sanders all your money.
By that logic, since you likely weren't alive during Hitler's rein, he too could be a good person, right? Just because I wasn't alive in Reagan's rein doesn't mean anything, I know people had it much easier before this dirtbag and his cronies taught corporations to hoard money and move overseas to save $ instead of spending it on research and employees.
+Justin Graziano Be careful Justin. When you repeat things that you have heard from people who believe that the government knows best and people belong to the government and the government does not belong to the people you are making yourself a slave. Just saying be careful Socialism is bad for everyone except those running the government and then instead of getting voted out of office they disappear, end up dead murdered for political reasons or are coerced into following the National Socialist part lines. Socialism always brings about mass poverty , vilolent protests, and tyranny. It simply does not work. It takes money, freedom and incentive from humans forced to live under it. Please look and see what it has done to people.
Amazing how Reagan insisted on repeatedly giving credit to the American people in this speech. Such humility in the White House has been missing for three decades. Such a sense of compassionate strength, simple words, straight-forward arguments. And to admit his own regrets and failures -- very poignant. He was so right when he said the biggest accomplishment was the re-capture of morale. It felt good to be an American again -- even if challenges remained.
I was a kid back then, I remember wanting to stop and listen to President Reagan every time he spoke... I didn't know why but he just made me feel good, he truly was the great communicator. I have never had that feeling since...
yeah the clown we have now just makes us all fesl like crap were always wrong for what we do.. alwsys blaming "the american people " for the wrongs of the world .. and hes a major part of it!!
I remember this address, and feeling like I didn't know what I was going to do without the President that came into office when I was 15, and left when I was 23. This was a man that you wanted to hear when he spoke. A man that wasn't perfect, but was just so absolutely right! God bless you, Ronald Reagan.
blm256 President Reagan was better than either Eisenhower or Kennedy inspiring Americana. Much better. I respected the words of Ike and JFK, but Reagan nailed it.
I cried half the time watching this. My father sat me down and told me of what Reagan did, and how amazing of a man he was. I began researching, listening to him speak, and to see his farewell a dress so calm and so influential, so connected to the American citizen it makes me breakdown in sadness and happiness. Happy because of how amazing of a president he was, and sad because we will never have another as good as he was. Thank you Mr. Reagan, although I missed my time to see you work our country and heal it's wounds, I saw it from history, and I felt what you did.
Unfortunately, I never got to see Reagan be president. I was born in 1996 (Age 20). One side of my family is mostly Democratic voters and some politicians, on the other hand, another side is Republican voters. I have told family members of both sides of my family that I wish I could have witnessed the years Reagan was president and not one of them had a bad thing to say about Reagan, even the ones who are Democrats! This man was so respected. Out of any president I could choose to go back in time to witness their presidency, it will always be Reagan. When I hear him speak and look back at his old speeches and famous one-liners, he not only made people laugh, but he also sent the message of hope to the American people. I remember watching his funeral in 2004 and obviously not knowing who he was at the time , but when I began to learn about the kind of man he was, I look at the country today in the year 2017 and my heart is saddened by where our country is. Reagan brought back and restored hope in America. If they add more faces onto Mt. Rushmore, his needs to be the first one added on. I can only hope and pray that one day I can witness another president as great as Reagan was, but they could truly never be greater than him because I've learned that Reagan was truly a one of a kind individual. God rest his and his wife Nancy's soul. I can't wait to meet him one day in Heaven.
Reagan is the definition of President of the United States. He was our hero. He there when we needed him and gone when we didn't. But now we need him more than ever. A true American, a true hero, and a true President. Rest in Peace Mr. Eternal President of the United States. We all miss you, god bless you President Reagan. Hope someday our paths will cross.
No other president since has been more patriotic than Reagan. He was truly one of a kind. Franklin Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan...all loved America more than themselves and their own personal glorification. Can't say that about Clinton, Bush or Obama.
and at such a time.. this man held it together .. for us .. for his country .. thats so lost on politicians.. he may have been this or that when he wasnt tslkign to us .. but when he was tslkign to us .. we felt like we were all in this TOGETHER
I was a soldier when this aired and I cried like a baby. Thank you Ronnie - I love you and I miss you. You are the greatest president of my lifetime and I will always remember you with pride and love.
President Ronald Wilson Reagan in my opinion was the greatest president of the 20th century! Truly a great AMERICAN! He reminded us we run the government, the government does not run us. We miss you President Reagan and we sure need another man like you today. RIP Mr. President you served your country with integrity and pride and I for one am proud to have supported you and lived under your guidance, prosperity and protection that all Americans enjoyed while you were at the helm!
I also grew up in the Reagan year's and as an African American I gotta say I may not have always agreed with some of his policies but I most certainly respected him as the commander-in-chief of this Nation indeed he was the great communicator both here and abroad, other countries repeated us, this was a man that held dear to his heart the Bill of Rights as well as the Constitution of the United States.. The is a man that strongly believe in "WE THE PEOPLE" and smaller goverment. There were aways a code of conduct also an aura about him that ozzes presidential material toward the office as well as the individual. And let me be clear this has NOT a dam thing to do with race, but everything to do with the content of one's character.. Thing's are so much diffrent now same sex marriage for all fifty states.. Planned Parenthood allowed to sell baby parts on the open market.. Legalization of pot.. Openly Gay President.. The dismantling of our Military.. The utter contemp and hated we are around the world.. The fall of the dollar... And the list goes on and on and on; I feel like I'm swimming around in the vortex of a toilet bowl!
+DELROY JONES If your words were a bomb, it would be in the nuclear caliber. Not for a destructive nature, but for the strong impact it has. The term "truth bomb" comes to mind.
Regan didn't make America great. He simply reminded us that we were. He instilled upon us the belief that we had the capability to do anything, solve any problem, and conquer any challenge. It wasn't our nation that made us exceptional, it was the people that made the nation exceptional. Now Obama has us believe we are vile as a people, that we are awful because we have pushed ahead ourselves and left the world behind, that somehow we are responsible for the problems. Installed a belief of lowering ourselves to the level of others rather than helping them up to ours. It makes me sick.
Just want to add that this is specifically why you shouldn't trust Donald Trump. He thinks that he can make America great again. No, individuals do that when you give them the ability to do so by leaving us the hell alone and letting us keep more of our money. Reagan understood this, and his eight years kept America afloat for almost 30 years after. Hopefully we can find someone within the next decade with the same vision as Reagan for this country.
+Sangeetha Ramamurthy Anyone who compares Donald Trump to Ronald Reagan should have their ass stomped! Trump is a loud-mouthed, arrogant, rude, pretentious, lying narcissist. He's backed liberals for decades. He backed Obama during his first run, backed ObamaCare, has a personal history with the Clinton's. Now all of a sudden, he's "a true blue conservative" who's the only hope for saving America. Trump will not get my vote!
Remember people, REAGAN DIDN'T HAVE A TELEPROMPTER. He spoke from the heart. He was a true AMERICAN PATRIOT. He doesn't play golf while a third of the country is flooded with flash waters with Larry david playing caddy to obama.
Reagan was the last president that made you feel a deep down pride in being an American....at least for me. I believed he truly loved his country and his fellow man and wanted us to prosper to greatness.
+Gog Mclaine though , If you knew anything about it. The difference between President Reagan , and wanna be hilary clinton . He said Sorry, and knew his faults. She will run our country into the ground
I am a muslim and love this country sooo very much.Love everything about America.I hope we get presidents like Reagan in the middle east.Instead of fighting and spreading hate and destruction ;we build a healthy and civilized middle east.God bless America
sucky candidates for starters. Backwards hick from Arkansas, then we got it right with Bush Jr, but damn Gen Y put this frog in office for 8 years. I'll be glad when the Reps get the office back in 2016.
MrCraThe You made a mistake...We work for the government..Have you seen your paycheck that keeps you coming back to work instead of leaving this country?
Johnathan Carman Perhaps we need a new revolution, but I hope we need only a renaissance. We need to amend and repair our government so that it becomes much less corrupt. Let us not copy Europe and fall and decline, we must be American and continue rising. Let us not rest on our laurels, let us once more reach for the stars.
Thank you President Reagan, you are and always will be the greatest President in my lifetime. I remember the malaise and dark days of the 70s and the Carter years, and I was witness to what you accomplished with your policies that made America great and strong and created an economic boom. I grew up in the 80s and no person can rewrite the history of your legacy with me. It was you President Reagan that eliminated the fear and oppression of the "evil empire" the Soviet Union, ended the Cold War, and gave the free world a greater sense of security. You were a leader the world looked up too, an example that so many other nations wanted to be and have. You were the "Great Communicator", unlike the " gift of gab" leaders that have followed. You were able to make a rival leader who was an adversary, determined to defeat you and America, to become very near a friend, with nothing but admiration and respect for you and our country. Who does that? Only you Reagan, you were a true Leader, and only a true Leader can accomplish such feats. Thank you again Reagan for the Leadership you brought to this Nation. May it never be rewritten or forgotten.
I was born almost 11 years after President Reagan left office and I can honestly say that if I had been alive and old enough to vote I would vote for him no questions asked. RIP President Reagan
What a wonderful man he saved the world, I remember the great work he did with Mrs Thatcher and Mr Gorbachev banishing the shadow of nuclear war over our lives. I wish they were all here now and this speech is just as relevant now as it was then and world leaders should listen to it because they could learn so much.
Cut taxes? Maybe for the higher income families. I know my family paid more taxes. Yes, we were low income. Spending wasn't too great then either. Not defending Obama, as I'm not too happy about what he's done, but Reagan made my working class family struggle more than necessary.
Will history view him as our last great president? It sure would appear that way considering the path we have been on since. His tax cuts unequivocally were the catalyst which spurred economic opportunity for millions of hard working Americans. Not to mention rebuilding our military thereby allowing him to confront Gorby concerning the Berlin Wall, teaching Kadaffi what was acceptable foreign policy and bringing home our people who Iran was holding hostage.
Russia was already on it's last leg 10 years before he even took office. Any study of the USSR will show this. That was going to collapse regardless. And the tax cuts? You mean the trickle down golden shower?
MrMattyB16 You are so full of shit. If you are poor than you are poor. Whos fault is it that your family is uneducated and has to flip burgers for a living? NOT Reagans. He created a ton of jobs and was the best President this country has ever seen. He DID cut taxes for everyone, even your poor ass. Sorry he dosent raise taxes like Obama and then give that money to poor fucks like yourself. Go vote for Obama. Make this country more fucked up. Ruin all the work that Reagan did.
nicetry64 says the guys who's had life handed to him on a silver platter an lacks tact. Keep living in your foxnews world. Don't worry about facts, just worry about views that support what you want to believe. Ignorance is bliss. I mean really, You are just one rude individual. All I did was put some fact out there and you insult my family? I did nothing of the sort to you. Grow up!
I had the honor of growning up with this man. He taught me so much about freedom. I love this man. God bless you Reagan. We need him now more than ever before.
Reagan for 2016... If only this were possible. Ronald Reagan was the best President of the modern era in my opinion. The hope and pride he advocated for have been unmatched by any of his successors to date if you ask me.
If only he were alive, these kids born while he was president put Obama in for 8 years (look up who went majorily for Obama in 2008/2012, it was those born while he was president). They have no idea who this guy was other than what they hear, Reagan, if he were still alive, would be rallying voters to support the Reps like Slick Willie did for the Dems in 2008 and 2012.
+StraightFashionMan The difference between then and now is that the people benefited more from the spending than the government (looters) did. Now the system is just rigged to enrich the government and crony class. They are one in the same and transcend party lines.
I'm 18 years old, in college for my freshman year aiming for a bachelor's degree. I voted for Mitt Romney because even if he isn't perfect, he was the best shot we had. Over the past few days now I've been looking back to Speeches from Reagan, JFK, and other great presidents of our time, and this is the first to bring me to tears. I only could wish that I had been born in the late 30s, so that I would have heard this speech when I was approaching retirement. But now, the future is so uncertain.
"The people of America created", not "I" or "we (big gov)". This man had more leadership, courage, conviction, & love for America than Barack Obama could ever hope to have.
If only there were some politician's left just like him. Could you imagine how great this country would be. He's a true Christian and a true conservative. Rest in peace Ronald Reagan
Even if you didn't agree with Reagan's politics, he is the perfect example of a President showing quiet strength, not loud rhetoric like our country has fallen into.
i would like to say to the world...WE had a president who was the actual embodiment of an a American President. I was an American during the Reagan Admin. Through 1981-1989 we had a man who changed the world. He eradicated the threat of Soviet domination and propelled the genius of the American spirit of hard work. We thrived under his leadership and conquered communism. Ur teachers wont teach u that though....Ronald Reagan is a name that should be honored.....Guess what His name is honored all thoghout the civilized world. Ask Poles and all of the other communist countrys' where they would be without a Ronald Reagan Presidency.
Oh, President Reagan, if only you could lead again. Just with this speech, I feel good to be American, and then I realized how America is now, compared to the great Reagan years. We will always remember you Mr. President. Rest in peace President Ronald Reagan
God bless you Mr. Reagan. Myself, along with millions of other fellow Americans sure wish you were here to give us guidance and hope in these fearful days.
What a great President and a great man. We need someone with his mantle to rise up. We have the anti-thesis of Reagan in the White House now. America is still great because of Ronald Reagan's leadership. Let's vote the current POTUS out of office in 2012 while there is still hope.
Every moment of the 7 hours spent waiting to honor this man at the Capitol Rotunda was worth it. It will be many years before another leader earns the same love and effort from so many of his/her fellow citizens. God Bless you and God keep you RR.
As Governor and President Ronald Reagan was a very special person. I am proud of having had him as both. I was also privileged to be one of many to hear him as our commencement speaker in 1974 from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Super individual and "the great communicator".
As child growing up those times you able to watch the world change dramatically for freedom like no other time history. We are bless to have had the man as leader in those times .
Ronald W. Reagan. I salute you, honor you and I have a great respect for you, even if you are gone; may God give America another honorable, patriotic, pure son like you, a freedom lover, an American protector of all the things that America believes and made our nation, the best, the greatest and the most envy nation in the world. You can here a truly patriot taking. Finally, I must say, that comparing Obama to Reagan; it's like comparing pure 24k gold to a pure diarrhea, an Islamic lover, a total moral corrupt administration and the WORST ENEMY our nation ever have with in our own government.
scottsway It's crazy. They simply believe what they're told, because they do ZERO reading of there own. I laugh while reading the O.P, a true patriot he calls him.....he patriotically chased that money like the hollywood actors will do. A pure son...I can't help but think these people have blinders on like a racehorse.
Just about everyone loves reason but just how many people truly listened? About 15 minutes into this farewell address, Reagan gave a warning which is quite arguably the most important words spoken to Americans in the last century but just now many people picked up on it? Richard Dreyfuss is the only public figure I know seriously addressing the need for civil education. Few liberals are championing this cause, but how many conservatives are? The very people who claim they nearly worship Reagan apparently stopped listen to him even before he left the stage. For shame, we're all clearly paying a horrendous price now!
Thank god I was alive while this man was here on earth. We have never had a president with his command presence since he left office. Bush 41 was no replacement and its been down hill in the nations highest office ever since. The only man who even comes close to Regan was FDR. He inspired the people and held our country together during world war II. FDR was larger than life and so was Regan. My only regret was as a child growing up in the '80's, I was too young to understand what was going on in the world at the time. Toward the end of his presidency I caught a glimpse of Regan and his greatness. I remember his address to the nation after the space shuttle challenger disaster. I remember his words comforted me and gave me a sense that everything was going to be okay. I remember thinking that this is what it means to be president. I've held every man that occupied the White House in the years since 1989, to the standards Regan set. None have even come close. Bush 43 tried, but it was not the same. Sometimes I think about 9/11 and picture Ronald Regan as president. Instantly I feel, safe. Comforted and truly believe that things will be okay. I wish I was old enough to vote back in 1979. Perhaps there will never be another president like Regan because men like him came from a different America. A time long past. It saddens me to see what has become of this country. I feel as if the America Regan loved and fought to protect is slipping away. If he were alive today the things happening now would break his heart. RIP Ronald Regan. In my heart you will always be President Of The United States. I only realize now after watching historical programs how dangerous the world I grew up in really was! Thankfully the right man was president at the right time. His face should be on a bill of our currency! JFK cheated on his wife and did a terrible job managing the Bay Of Pigs. In the 4 short years he was president he did nothing of substance and yet he's on the back side of the half dollar coin. Seems the assassination did more for his legacy than his policies. That might sound cruel but when you say JFK what's the first thing that comes to mind? November 22, 1963 right? If JFK has the right to be on a piece of our currency, Ronald Regan, easily among the greatest presidents of the 20th century should be immortalized on currency too!
Immortal words from a Man who greatly respected this Country and the American people who made it what it was.... He never blamed anyone else for his shortcomings and always tried to work together as a Nation. Never a selfish gesture for his own personal gain. Notice how he often said WE did this, never said he did it but, WE the People accomplished so much by working together. Pres. Reagan was a great communicator! God Bless you Sir and all that you did for this Great Nation.... RIP
I am almost crying now because I never got to have this great president. I've been stuck with Obama. Well, technically Bush and Obama but I wasn't old enough to understand politics with Bush...
Sometime in the mid 80s, I heard Ronald Reagan would be in my town, and knew his motorcade would be passing my office, which was near the airport. Quite a few of us went outside to wait, and his limo slowed for the crowd as it passed only a few feet from me. I looked in the limo, and he happened to be sitting on my side, He looked over at me and I gave him a wave..He smiled and waved back at me. Never forgot it...He had a way of making you feel like you could take on the world and win.
AWESOME..
+my31and37 : That was a memorable experience. We loved Ronald Reagan and remember him as our Governor in CA and of course his stint with Hollywood. What a great man along of course with Nancy.
That is great you got to have that positive experience as a role model .. positive influence in our society..
+my31and37
Governor Reagan gave a brilliant address to the Oklahoma State University and Stillwater community when I was 15. I'd been impressed with Reagan since I watched him give his "Time for Choosing" address in support of Goldwater's campaign against LBJ in '64.
When he was through, I decided to go down and tell him how much I agreed with and appreciated what he'd said. He had just stepped down off to the right hand side of the stage and was apparently waiting on whoever was supposed to meet him there to leave, so I had four or five minutes with him one on one.
I walked up, introduced myself and told him how great of a job he had done and why I thought it was great. He thanked me and I thought to ask him for his autograph.
He pulled out his California Governor's card, felt for a pen and found a pencil instead with which he signed his business card for me.
His autograph and that of a hero from the battle of Guam who was then held as a Japanese Prisoner of War labor slave for four years are the only ones I've ever wanted or asked for.
I toured with and knew dozens of greats in the Blues and Rock n' Roll industry, but they were just friends and buddies.
Those two were and are heroes, and neither one of them is in their graves. Their Earthsuits are, but they are with their Savior, the Lord Jesus.
Won't it be nice to have another extremely high class man as the President of the United States again? Won't you be glad to be able to be proud of your President as the Commander in Chief and our servant as the Leader of our Republic?
We've got that opportunity with Ted Cruz, who appears to be just as "polarizing" as Ronald Reagan was, just as feared by the Washington Cartel of the Political Whores from both parties and just as principled as Reagan was and just as bold as Reagan was.
And Ted Cruz has learned from Reagan's mistakes of trusting Democrats like Tip O'Neil and Ted Kennedy.
President Reagan famously and repeatedly told the Soviets under Gorbachev that in his dealings with the Soviets, he would "trust but verify". Too bad he didn't with the American National Socialist prototypes like Kennedy and O'Neil.
It's time Kaisich drops out and time for the American people to get over there bedazzlement with mr. trump.
Just as I supported Ronald Reagan when it wasn't "cool"to do so before he walloped Carter in a landslide and was elected, so I am now with Ted Cruz.
Fair winds Ted, and following seas on your way to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Jealous
Today, Ronnie's wife Nancy died at age 94. Farewell to the Reagan's. Thank you for making my childhood a special one. ❤️
amen
"WE THE PEOPLE TELL THE GOVERNMENT WHAT TO DO, IT DOESNT TELL US." - Ronald Reagan.
He wasn't perfect, but he loved our country and had a vision. I miss you Mr. Reagan.
He loved corporations and money, he couldn't care less about the country.
So says a guy who looks like he wasn't alive in the 80's cool story bro. the problem with the internet is everything is a conspiracy and everyone you do not like must be evil. get a grip kids and go give bernie sanders all your money.
By that logic, since you likely weren't alive during Hitler's rein, he too could be a good person, right? Just because I wasn't alive in Reagan's rein doesn't mean anything, I know people had it much easier before this dirtbag and his cronies taught corporations to hoard money and move overseas to save $ instead of spending it on research and employees.
+Justin Graziano Be careful Justin. When you repeat things that you have heard from people who believe that the government knows best and people belong to the government and the government does not belong to the people you are making yourself a slave. Just saying be careful Socialism is bad for everyone except those running the government and then instead of getting voted out of office they disappear, end up dead murdered for political reasons or are coerced into following the National Socialist part lines. Socialism always brings about mass poverty , vilolent protests, and tyranny. It simply does not work. It takes money, freedom and incentive from humans forced to live under it. Please look and see what it has done to people.
Reagan was truly one of the best presidents we've ever had.
Amazing how Reagan insisted on repeatedly giving credit to the American people in this speech. Such humility in the White House has been missing for three decades. Such a sense of compassionate strength, simple words, straight-forward arguments. And to admit his own regrets and failures -- very poignant. He was so right when he said the biggest accomplishment was the re-capture of morale. It felt good to be an American again -- even if challenges remained.
+UDPride Now we have "You didn't build that."
so true he really showed that he was about the American people wish we could get some presidents like him again
+Candy West Who are you referring to ?
Reagan, Iran-Contra
A true conservative hero
I was a kid back then, I remember wanting to stop and listen to President Reagan every time he spoke... I didn't know why but he just made me feel good, he truly was the great communicator. I have never had that feeling since...
yeah the clown we have now just makes us all fesl like crap were always wrong for what we do.. alwsys blaming "the american people " for the wrongs of the world .. and hes a major part of it!!
He made us all feel safe. I don't feel safe at all anymore.
RIP Ronald Reagan 1911-2004. Sadly missed and one of our best presidents :(
And Nancy Reagan 1921-2016 :(
The free world misses you dearly
I remember this address, and feeling like I didn't know what I was going to do without the President that came into office when I was 15, and left when I was 23. This was a man that you wanted to hear when he spoke. A man that wasn't perfect, but was just so absolutely right! God bless you, Ronald Reagan.
Most charismatic president ever
This country NEEDS another Ronald Reagan, now more than ever.
On his nickname The Great Communicator..... "I wasn't a great communicator, I just communicated great things."
Boom!
The youth of today will never the understand national pride that Americans once had. I hope someday they are able to experience it again.
The national pride was based on accomplishing something - not a Reagan attribute. Eisenhower, Kennedy - yes, but not Ronnie.
blm256 By that logic we can exclude FDR from the "national pride".
blm256
President Reagan was better than either Eisenhower or Kennedy inspiring Americana. Much better. I respected the words of Ike and JFK, but Reagan nailed it.
***** i kinda do, i see nothing better than america in this world
***** I am a youngster. 14. I understand the National Pride.
I cried half the time watching this. My father sat me down and told me of what Reagan did, and how amazing of a man he was. I began researching, listening to him speak, and to see his farewell a dress so calm and so influential, so connected to the American citizen it makes me breakdown in sadness and happiness. Happy because of how amazing of a president he was, and sad because we will never have another as good as he was.
Thank you Mr. Reagan, although I missed my time to see you work our country and heal it's wounds, I saw it from history, and I felt what you did.
Unfortunately, I never got to see Reagan be president. I was born in 1996 (Age 20). One side of my family is mostly Democratic voters and some politicians, on the other hand, another side is Republican voters. I have told family members of both sides of my family that I wish I could have witnessed the years Reagan was president and not one of them had a bad thing to say about Reagan, even the ones who are Democrats! This man was so respected. Out of any president I could choose to go back in time to witness their presidency, it will always be Reagan. When I hear him speak and look back at his old speeches and famous one-liners, he not only made people laugh, but he also sent the message of hope to the American people. I remember watching his funeral in 2004 and obviously not knowing who he was at the time , but when I began to learn about the kind of man he was, I look at the country today in the year 2017 and my heart is saddened by where our country is. Reagan brought back and restored hope in America. If they add more faces onto Mt. Rushmore, his needs to be the first one added on. I can only hope and pray that one day I can witness another president as great as Reagan was, but they could truly never be greater than him because I've learned that Reagan was truly a one of a kind individual. God rest his and his wife Nancy's soul. I can't wait to meet him one day in Heaven.
This is probably the best video on TH-cam. Every American should see it. He was an amazing President.
"If we forget that we are One Nation Under God,then we will be one nation gone under"-Ronald Reagan
They do not make people like Ronnie anymore.... The greatest generation indeed.
Thank Christ for that, the World can't handle another doofus like Raygun.
There was something about this man, Ronald Reagan! Almost cried watching this, Rest his soul.
One of the greatest president America ever saw. I'm a democrat.
As a Democrat believer i voted for Reagan twice that takes alot for me to admit that.
why does it take a lot for you to admit that?
dont be shy .. regan won the whole countty but wisconsin , i think
+swillin tky Not Wisconsin, it was every state but Minnesota in 1984.
A truly great President.
- from the United Kingdom.
Miss you Mr. President. Rest in Peace.
God I miss this man
Reagan is the definition of President of the United States. He was our hero. He there when we needed him and gone when we didn't. But now we need him more than ever. A true American, a true hero, and a true President. Rest in Peace Mr. Eternal President of the United States. We all miss you, god bless you President Reagan. Hope someday our paths will cross.
I wish I was born several decade earlier so I can vote for this man.
No other president since has been more patriotic than Reagan. He was truly one of a kind. Franklin Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan...all loved America more than themselves and their own personal glorification. Can't say that about Clinton, Bush or Obama.
***** Why? He was a Scumbag!
+DA WA wrong leave now
Andrew Duncan
What did you like about Reagan? That he funded terrorists or sold missiles to Iran or raised taxes 11 times or banned assault weapons?
+Randy Olson the guy was an actor! He knew how to sell it. That's all he was.
I was just a kid then but I remember how he made us all feel safe. Thank you Mr. President
one of the best presidents ever
and at such a time.. this man held it together .. for us .. for his country .. thats so lost on politicians.. he may have been this or that when he wasnt tslkign to us .. but when he was tslkign to us .. we felt like we were all in this TOGETHER
I was a soldier when this aired and I cried like a baby. Thank you Ronnie - I love you and I miss you. You are the greatest president of my lifetime and I will always remember you with pride and love.
President Ronald Wilson Reagan in my opinion was the greatest president of the 20th century! Truly a great AMERICAN! He reminded us we run the government, the government does not run us. We miss you President Reagan and we sure need another man like you today. RIP Mr. President you served your country with integrity and pride and I for one am proud to have supported you and lived under your guidance, prosperity and protection that all Americans enjoyed while you were at the helm!
I served as a military officer during his presidency. It was an honor. He was a true Commander In Cheif.
What branch and rank?
pardon my typo
Rene Rivera No worries.
Thank you for your service!
This speech almost made me cry, and I think it was the same for Ron.
What a class act. Ronald and Nancy Reagan. Great Americans.
I also grew up in the Reagan year's and as an African American I gotta say I may not have always agreed with some of his policies but I most certainly respected him as the commander-in-chief of this Nation indeed he was the great communicator both here and abroad, other countries repeated us, this was a man that held dear to his heart the Bill of Rights as well as the Constitution of the United States.. The is a man that strongly believe in "WE THE PEOPLE" and smaller goverment. There were aways a code of conduct also an aura about him that ozzes presidential material toward the office as well as the individual. And let me be clear this has NOT a dam thing to do with race, but everything to do with the content of one's character.. Thing's are so much diffrent now same sex marriage for all fifty states.. Planned Parenthood allowed to sell baby parts on the open market.. Legalization of pot.. Openly Gay President.. The dismantling of our Military.. The utter contemp and hated we are around the world.. The fall of the dollar... And the list goes on and on and on; I feel like I'm swimming around in the vortex of a toilet bowl!
+DELROY JONES Wow! I share your sentiment.
+DELROY JONES If your words were a bomb, it would be in the nuclear caliber. Not for a destructive nature, but for the strong impact it has. The term "truth bomb" comes to mind.
+Freakin Yatch Whoa! Careful now. Truth bombs are deadly to Liberals.
+DELROY JONES Props, Delroy! I'm better for having read what you wrote.
Wait wait wait woah woah woah. Openly gay president?
Regan didn't make America great. He simply reminded us that we were. He instilled upon us the belief that we had the capability to do anything, solve any problem, and conquer any challenge. It wasn't our nation that made us exceptional, it was the people that made the nation exceptional. Now Obama has us believe we are vile as a people, that we are awful because we have pushed ahead ourselves and left the world behind, that somehow we are responsible for the problems. Installed a belief of lowering ourselves to the level of others rather than helping them up to ours. It makes me sick.
+Bluefin Tuna Amen!
+Bluefin Tuna I got upset after the first sentence. Then I read the whole thing, and I totally agree.
+Bluefin Tuna I AGREE. HE CALLS US RUDE AND ERRIGANT.
Just want to add that this is specifically why you shouldn't trust Donald Trump. He thinks that he can make America great again. No, individuals do that when you give them the ability to do so by leaving us the hell alone and letting us keep more of our money. Reagan understood this, and his eight years kept America afloat for almost 30 years after. Hopefully we can find someone within the next decade with the same vision as Reagan for this country.
+Sangeetha Ramamurthy Anyone who compares Donald Trump to Ronald Reagan should have their ass stomped! Trump is a loud-mouthed, arrogant, rude, pretentious, lying narcissist. He's backed liberals for decades. He backed Obama during his first run, backed ObamaCare, has a personal history with the Clinton's. Now all of a sudden, he's "a true blue conservative" who's the only hope for saving America. Trump will not get my vote!
"What they called radical was really right. What they called dangerous was just desperately needed." - Ronald Reagan.
In the 80's Ronnie made me want to be an American.
"I'm not a great communicator. I communicate great things." Well said, Mr. President. Well said.
I truly love this guy
Remember people, REAGAN DIDN'T HAVE A TELEPROMPTER. He spoke from the heart. He was a true AMERICAN PATRIOT. He doesn't play golf while a third of the country is flooded with flash waters with Larry david playing caddy to obama.
The last good Republican president we had. I was just 8 months old when he left office in January 1989.
I'd take him back in a heartbeat!
Reagan was the last president that made you feel a deep down pride in being an American....at least for me. I believed he truly loved his country and his fellow man and wanted us to prosper to greatness.
"California, the ranch and freedom"
A GREAT man which many politicians should model! Even we Canadians owe him a debt of gratitude.
My God..... How much we could use a man like him today..
Im gonna try to follow Ronald Reagan footsteps and make the United States Of America a better place!!!!
+Captain Foxy FNAF (Foxy The Pirate) Yes! Triple the debt and sell weapons to Iran.
+Captain Foxy FNAF (Foxy The Pirate) Good luck.
+Gog Mclaine though , If you knew anything about it. The difference between President Reagan , and wanna be hilary clinton . He said Sorry, and knew his faults. She will run our country into the ground
I am a muslim and love this country sooo very much.Love everything about America.I hope we get presidents like Reagan in the middle east.Instead of fighting and spreading hate and destruction ;we build a healthy and civilized middle east.God bless America
why have we settled for less than this man?
sucky candidates for starters. Backwards hick from Arkansas, then we got it right with Bush Jr, but damn Gen Y put this frog in office for 8 years. I'll be glad when the Reps get the office back in 2016.
we forgot the government works of us.
MrCraThe You made a mistake...We work for the government..Have you seen your paycheck that keeps you coming back to work instead of leaving this country?
Johnathan Carman
Perhaps we need a new revolution, but I hope we need only a renaissance. We need to amend and repair our government so that it becomes much less corrupt. Let us not copy Europe and fall and decline, we must be American and continue rising. Let us not rest on our laurels, let us once more reach for the stars.
Thank you President Reagan, you are and always will be the greatest President in my lifetime. I remember the malaise and dark days of the 70s and the Carter years, and I was witness to what you accomplished with your policies that made America great and strong and created an economic boom. I grew up in the 80s and no person can rewrite the history of your legacy with me. It was you President Reagan that eliminated the fear and oppression of the "evil empire" the Soviet Union, ended the Cold War, and gave the free world a greater sense of security. You were a leader the world looked up too, an example that so many other nations wanted to be and have. You were the "Great Communicator", unlike the " gift of gab" leaders that have followed. You were able to make a rival leader who was an adversary, determined to defeat you and America, to become very near a friend, with nothing but admiration and respect for you and our country. Who does that? Only you Reagan, you were a true Leader, and only a true Leader can accomplish such feats. Thank you again Reagan for the Leadership you brought to this Nation. May it never be rewritten or forgotten.
I was born almost 11 years after President Reagan left office and I can honestly say that if I had been alive and old enough to vote I would vote for him no questions asked. RIP President Reagan
I cried 😢
Me too! I miss his version of America. Bright optimism has been traded for dark uncertainty.
The Smegel Gamer I cried too. He was quiet the optimist.
+Randy Olson All smoke and mirrors. His America didn't exist.
+mary love You're delusional, Mary.
+The Smegel Gamer I just graduated high school and was heading off to college at this time. Things changed so drastically after him.
What a wonderful man he saved the world, I remember the great work he did with Mrs Thatcher and Mr Gorbachev banishing the shadow of nuclear war over our lives. I wish they were all here now and this speech is just as relevant now as it was then and world leaders should listen to it because they could learn so much.
Cut taxes and cut spending, how come this is difficult for democrats to understand?
Cut taxes? Maybe for the higher income families. I know my family paid more taxes. Yes, we were low income. Spending wasn't too great then either. Not defending Obama, as I'm not too happy about what he's done, but Reagan made my working class family struggle more than necessary.
Will history view him as our last great president? It sure would appear that way considering the path we have been on since. His tax cuts unequivocally were the catalyst which spurred economic opportunity for millions of hard working Americans. Not to mention rebuilding our military thereby allowing him to confront Gorby concerning the Berlin Wall, teaching Kadaffi what was acceptable foreign policy and bringing home our people who Iran was holding hostage.
Russia was already on it's last leg 10 years before he even took office. Any study of the USSR will show this. That was going to collapse regardless. And the tax cuts? You mean the trickle down golden shower?
MrMattyB16 You are so full of shit. If you are poor than you are poor. Whos fault is it that your family is uneducated and has to flip burgers for a living? NOT Reagans. He created a ton of jobs and was the best President this country has ever seen. He DID cut taxes for everyone, even your poor ass. Sorry he dosent raise taxes like Obama and then give that money to poor fucks like yourself. Go vote for Obama. Make this country more fucked up. Ruin all the work that Reagan did.
nicetry64 says the guys who's had life handed to him on a silver platter an lacks tact. Keep living in your foxnews world. Don't worry about facts, just worry about views that support what you want to believe. Ignorance is bliss. I mean really, You are just one rude individual. All I did was put some fact out there and you insult my family? I did nothing of the sort to you. Grow up!
When Presidents were gentlemen...
I had the honor of growning up with this man. He taught me so much about freedom. I love this man. God bless you Reagan. We need him now more than ever before.
Man I miss the old man. Truly on the level of one of the founders.
Reagan for 2016... If only this were possible. Ronald Reagan was the best President of the modern era in my opinion. The hope and pride he advocated for have been unmatched by any of his successors to date if you ask me.
REAGAN MADE ME A CONSERVATIVE AT THE AGE OF 12! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND LOVE FOR OUR NATION!
We need another Reagan in 2016. Restore Our Country!
Damn right
If only he were alive, these kids born while he was president put Obama in for 8 years (look up who went majorily for Obama in 2008/2012, it was those born while he was president). They have no idea who this guy was other than what they hear, Reagan, if he were still alive, would be rallying voters to support the Reps like Slick Willie did for the Dems in 2008 and 2012.
Oh Ronald, where the hell is your reincarnation? We need another Reagan.
Trump.
Broadway C Well...I mean... maybe, he does stand up and say what he wants to say...
Camron Davis You want another massive national deficit with out of control government spending.
StraightFashionMan Yeah I know, I disagree with Obama too...😆
+StraightFashionMan The difference between then and now is that the people benefited more from the spending than the government (looters) did. Now the system is just rigged to enrich the government and crony class. They are one in the same and transcend party lines.
I'm 18 years old, in college for my freshman year aiming for a bachelor's degree. I voted for Mitt Romney because even if he isn't perfect, he was the best shot we had. Over the past few days now I've been looking back to Speeches from Reagan, JFK, and other great presidents of our time, and this is the first to bring me to tears. I only could wish that I had been born in the late 30s, so that I would have heard this speech when I was approaching retirement. But now, the future is so uncertain.
Thank you Mr. President. The 80s was a great decade.
This brings a tear to my eye, God Bless Ronald Reagan!!
"The people of America created", not "I" or "we (big gov)". This man had more leadership, courage, conviction, & love for America than Barack Obama could ever hope to have.
If only there were some politician's left just like him. Could you imagine how great this country would be. He's a true Christian and a true conservative. Rest in peace Ronald Reagan
his speech makes me want to become American
We need Reagan again!
Even if you didn't agree with Reagan's politics, he is the perfect example of a President showing quiet strength, not loud rhetoric like our country has fallen into.
Although I wasn't around in the 1980s, I admired Mr. Reagan and what he did for our country, culture and that he brought the Cold War to an end.
i would like to say to the world...WE had a president who was the actual embodiment of an a American President. I was an American during the Reagan Admin. Through 1981-1989 we had a man who changed the world. He eradicated the threat of Soviet domination and propelled the genius of the American spirit of hard work. We thrived under his leadership and conquered communism. Ur teachers wont teach u that though....Ronald Reagan is a name that should be honored.....Guess what His name is honored all thoghout the civilized world. Ask Poles and all of the other communist countrys' where they would be without a Ronald Reagan Presidency.
I visited Western Europe and remember seeing a few Reagan statues
and the Iran Contra Scandal. Don't forget that event.
Reagan was a great president. We need him back.
Oh, President Reagan, if only you could lead again. Just with this speech, I feel good to be American, and then I realized how America is now, compared to the great Reagan years. We will always remember you Mr. President.
Rest in peace President Ronald Reagan
God bless you Mr. Reagan. Myself, along with millions of other fellow Americans sure wish you were here to give us guidance and hope in these fearful days.
"as govt expands..liberty contracts" "man is not free unless gov't is limited" Thank you RRL for posting theses videos.
I thank God that as young as I am I was alive during his 2nd term.
I was a Reagan 84 baby.
I miss him so much.
What a great President and a great man. We need someone with his mantle to rise up. We have the anti-thesis of Reagan in the White House now. America is still great because of Ronald Reagan's leadership. Let's vote the current POTUS out of office in 2012 while there is still hope.
Every moment of the 7 hours spent waiting to honor this man at the Capitol Rotunda was worth it.
It will be many years before another leader earns the same love and effort from so many of his/her fellow citizens. God Bless you and God keep you RR.
As Governor and President Ronald Reagan was a very special person. I am proud of having had him as both. I was also privileged to be one of many to hear him as our commencement speaker in 1974 from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Super individual and "the great communicator".
As child growing up those times you able to watch the world change dramatically for freedom like no other time history.
We are bless to have had the man as leader in those times .
Ronald W. Reagan. I salute you, honor you and I have a great respect for you, even if you are gone; may God give America another honorable, patriotic, pure son like you, a freedom lover, an American protector of all the things that America believes and made our nation, the best, the greatest and the most envy nation in the world.
You can here a truly patriot taking. Finally, I must say, that comparing Obama to Reagan; it's like comparing pure 24k gold to a pure diarrhea, an Islamic lover, a total moral corrupt administration and the WORST ENEMY our nation ever have with in our own government.
scottsway It's crazy. They simply believe what they're told, because they do ZERO reading of there own. I laugh while reading the O.P, a true patriot he calls him.....he patriotically chased that money like the hollywood actors will do. A pure son...I can't help but think these people have blinders on like a racehorse.
I do seem pretty passive judging by the emotion in my previous comment
Jacob Meeks You are a pretty terrible person. You need to educate yourself.
***** Great Answer!
This is a beautiful speech
Just about everyone loves reason but just how many people truly listened? About 15 minutes into this farewell address, Reagan gave a warning which is quite arguably the most important words spoken to Americans in the last century but just now many people picked up on it? Richard Dreyfuss is the only public figure I know seriously addressing the need for civil education. Few liberals are championing this cause, but how many conservatives are? The very people who claim they nearly worship Reagan apparently stopped listen to him even before he left the stage. For shame, we're all clearly paying a horrendous price now!
"We The People"
Obama isn't worthy of shining this man's shoe's.
Thank god I was alive while this man was here on earth. We have never had a president with his command presence since he left office. Bush 41 was no replacement and its been down hill in the nations highest office ever since. The only man who even comes close to Regan was FDR. He inspired the people and held our country together during world war II. FDR was larger than life and so was Regan. My only regret was as a child growing up in the '80's, I was too young to understand what was going on in the world at the time. Toward the end of his presidency I caught a glimpse of Regan and his greatness. I remember his address to the nation after the space shuttle challenger disaster. I remember his words comforted me and gave me a sense that everything was going to be okay. I remember thinking that this is what it means to be president. I've held every man that occupied the White House in the years since 1989, to the standards Regan set. None have even come close. Bush 43 tried, but it was not the same. Sometimes I think about 9/11 and picture Ronald Regan as president. Instantly I feel, safe. Comforted and truly believe that things will be okay. I wish I was old enough to vote back in 1979. Perhaps there will never be another president like Regan because men like him came from a different America. A time long past. It saddens me to see what has become of this country. I feel as if the America Regan loved and fought to protect is slipping away. If he were alive today the things happening now would break his heart. RIP Ronald Regan. In my heart you will always be President Of The United States. I only realize now after watching historical programs how dangerous the world I grew up in really was! Thankfully the right man was president at the right time. His face should be on a bill of our currency! JFK cheated on his wife and did a terrible job managing the Bay Of Pigs. In the 4 short years he was president he did nothing of substance and yet he's on the back side of the half dollar coin. Seems the assassination did more for his legacy than his policies. That might sound cruel but when you say JFK what's the first thing that comes to mind? November 22, 1963 right? If JFK has the right to be on a piece of our currency, Ronald Regan, easily among the greatest presidents of the 20th century should be immortalized on currency too!
I’m 47, and he is the best President in my lifetime so far!
Dam I miss Ronald Reagan, the greatest president of all time, God help us and save us from our present path.
Immortal words from a Man who greatly respected this Country and the American people who made it what it was.... He never blamed anyone else for his shortcomings and always tried to work together as a Nation. Never a selfish gesture for his own personal gain. Notice how he often said WE did this, never said he did it but, WE the People accomplished so much by working together. Pres. Reagan was a great communicator! God Bless you Sir and all that you did for this Great Nation.... RIP
If Reagan could, he would have done many more years at the office.
We went from WE THE PEOPLE to we the GOVERMENT. SO SAD!!!
He had the truly rare qualities of greatness combined with goodness.
You said it just about as well as it is humanly possible. What a leader! What a politician! What a statesman! What a legacy!
A very well thought out and moving speech.
I look forward to the day when America again will have a president like him..
What a touching and insightful speech! Rest in peace, President Reagan. You will be remembered by all good people in this world.
I am almost crying now because I never got to have this great president. I've been stuck with Obama. Well, technically Bush and Obama but I wasn't old enough to understand politics with Bush...