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"Fellow Americans, here lies a graceful and a gallant man." --Vice President Dick Cheney eulogizing President Reagan on Wednesday evening.

"Reagan taught us all that gallantry is the compliment that deeds pay to character. It involves making the most of God's gifts, one on one, and one day at a time. It involves doing so with gracious humor, compassion and determined resolve to defend and protect the authentic American values." --Paul M. Rodriguez.

The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed unanimously (375 - 0) H. Res. 664, saying in part, "Whereas President Ronald Reagan reminded us that our great Nation was founded and built by people with great dreams and the courage to take great risks; Whereas President Reagan reminded his countrymen of the Nation's calling in world history: 'From our forefathers to our modern day immigrants, we've come from every corner of the earth, from every race and every ethnic background, and we've become a new breed in the world. We're Americans, and we have a rendezvous with destiny.'; Whereas President Reagan championed freedom and democracy throughout the world, bringing courage to millions of people suffering the bondage of tyranny and oppression; ...Whereas Ronald Reagan's eloquence united Americans in times of triumph and tragedy; ...Whereas President Reagan appealed to the best hopes of the American people, not their worst fears, and to their confidence rather than their doubts: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives ... expresses its deepest appreciation for the profound public service of President Ronald Reagan; ... [and] calls on the people of the United States to reflect on the record of President Reagan during this national period of remembrance and to remember always his encouraging words: 'We have every right to dream heroic dreams'...."

The Senate unanimously passed two similar measures. S. Res. 373 states, "Resolved, That the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Ronald Wilson Reagan, a former President of the United States, and a former Governor of the State of California. Resolved, That in recognition of his illustrious statesmanship, his leadership in national and world affairs, his distinguished public service to his State and his Nation, and as a mark of respect to one who has held such eminent public station in life, the Presiding Officer of the Senate appoint a committee to consist of all the Members of the Senate to attend the funeral of the former President."

Only two senators did not vote for S. Res. 373: Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) and Sen. John Kerry (D-MA).

S. Res. 374 concludes, "Whereas President Reagan's steadfast opposition to Communism, his unshakeable resolve to defeat the 'Evil Empire', and his secure belief in government for and by the people, led to the collapse of the Berlin Wall and victory in the Cold War; Whereas President Reagan's belief in freedom as a God-given right of all peoples led to a democratic revolution across Central America; and Whereas Ronald Wilson Reagan, father, husband, actor, and dedicated public servant, restored the pride, optimism and strength of the United States and earned the deep respect and affection of his fellow citizens: Now, therefore, be it: Resolved, That the Senate notes with deep sorrow and solemn mourning the death of Ronald Wilson Reagan. Resolved, That the Senate extends its heartfelt sympathy to the wife and family of President Reagan. Resolved, That the Senate commends the former President for his Presidency and its many accomplishments. Resolved, That the Senate calls on all the people of the United States to reflect on the record of the 40th President of the United States during this national period of remembrance."

"I've thought a bit about the 'shining city upon a hill.' The phrase comes from John Winthrop, [a Pilgrim] who wrote it to describe the America he imagined. ... I've spoken of the shining city all my political life, but I don't know if I ever quite communicated what I saw when I said it. But in my mind it was a tall, proud city built on rocks stronger than oceans, windswept, God-blessed, and teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and peace; a city with free ports that hummed with commerce and creativity. And if there had to be city walls, the walls had doors and the doors were open to anyone with the will and the heart to get here. That's how I saw it, and see it still. And how stands the city on this winter night? More prosperous, more secure and happier than it was eight years ago. But more than that: After two hundred years, two centuries, she still stands strong and true on the granite ridge, and her glow has held steady no matter what storm. And she's still a beacon, still a magnet for all who must have freedom, for all the pilgrims from all the lost places who are hurtling through the darkness toward home. 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. And so, goodbye, God bless you, and God bless the United States of America." --Ronald Reagan. From his Farewell Address to the Nation, 1989.

"And whatever else history may say about me when I'm gone, I hope it will record that I appealed to your best hopes, not your worst fears, to your confidence rather than your doubts. My dream is that you will travel the road ahead with liberty's lamp guiding your steps and opportunity's arm steadying your way. My fondest hope for each one of you -- and especially for young people -- is that you will love your country, not for her power or wealth, but for her selflessness and her idealism. May each of you have the heart to conceive, the understanding to direct, and the hand to execute works that will make the world a little better for your having been here. May all of you as Americans never forget your heroic origins, never fail to seek divine guidance, and never lose your natural, God-given optimism. And finally, my fellow Americans, may every dawn be a great new beginning for America and every evening bring us closer to that shining city upon a hill." --Ronald Reagan (1992)

"I'm more than willing to submit my actions to the judgment of time. Let history decide. It usually does." --Ronald Reagan.