A great man died today, although in my thoughts he died years ago when the ravages of Alzheimer's Disease took his mind from us. Nonetheless, I find myself weeping at his passing. He was a key figure in my life.
I had the honor of serving in the U.S. Navy while he was Commander-In-Chief. Just a few years before, service in the armed forces was despised and attacked by those who hated anyone who wore a uniform, and this was a very real and physical threat. Under President Reagan's command, respect for armed service was restored.
Under his command, we faced an enemy determined to destroy us, and we defeated it. I was privy to a great deal of what was really happening in those days, and know how close we came to destruction at the hands of the Soviet Union.
I will never forget that, simply put, President Reagan saved the lives of every man, woman and child in the United States, including my family, friends and loved ones. That is a debt I can never repay, but I can honor it by remembering it. Our victory was the product of the work of millions of heroes, but without a leader like President Reagan, all would have been lost.
I remember it now, as I will always remember it.
From poverty, he brought us prosperity.
From malaise, he brought us strength.
From humiliation, he brought us pride.
From defeat, he brought us victory.
Farewell, President Reagan. I will never forget you. I pray that someday we may yet meet one another, when the sun shines upon us again.
Thank you for your beautiful post (#805).