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| World Pays Tribute to President Ronald Reagan |
| 2004-06-05 |
| Political leaders and other prominent figures paid tribute on Saturday to former President Ronald Reagan, who died at his Los Angeles home at the age of 93. Here are some of their remembrances: PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH "It’s a sad day for America. A great American life has come to an end. He leaves behind a nation he restored, and a world he helped save." FORMER PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON AND SENATOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON, who called Reagan "a true American original." "Hillary and I will always remember President Ronald Reagan for the way he personified the indomitable optimism of the American people, and for keeping America at the forefront of the fight for freedom for people everywhere. President Reagan demonstrated his strength and resolve after leaving office when he shared his struggle with Alzheimer’s disease with the world." SENATE MAJORITY LEADER BILL FRIST "President Reagan’s bold leadership in difficult times provided Americans with tremendous strength and inspiration. Above all, he was a true patriot, whose endless optimism inspired America’s continued ascent to greatness. Undoubtedly, Ronald Reagan has left an indelible mark on our country and our global community." SENATE MINORITY LEADER TOM DASCHLE "America has lost an icon. Ronald Reagan’s leadership will inspire Americans for generations to come. His patriotism and devotion to our country will never be forgotten." FORMER BRITISH PRIME MINISTER MARGARET THATCHER "President Reagan was one of my closest political and dearest personal friends. He will be missed not only by those who knew him and not only by the nation that he served so proudly and loved so deeply, but also by millions of men and women who live in freedom today because of the policies he pursued. "Ronald Reagan had a higher claim than any other leader to have won the Cold War for liberty and he did it without a shot being fired." FRENCH PRESIDENT JACQUES CHIRAC "A great statesman who through the strength of his convictions and his commitment to democracy will leave a deep mark in history." QUEEN ELIZABETH OF BRITAIN "The Queen is saddened by the news," said a Buckingham Palace spokeswoman. DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE JOHN KERRY "Ronald Reagan’s love of country was infectious. Even when he was breaking Democrats hearts, he did so with a smile and in the spirit of honest and open debate. He was the voice of America in good times and in grief. When we lost the brave astronauts in the Challenger tragedy, he reminded us that, ’Nothing ends here; our hopes and our journeys continue.’ Today, from California to Maine -- ’from sea to shining sea’ -- Americans will bow their heads in prayer and gratitude that President Reagan left such an indelible stamp on the nation he loved." DEMOCRAT SEN. EDWARD KENNEDY OF MASSACHUSETTS "We often disagreed on issues of the day, but I had immense respect and admiration for his leadership and his extraordinary ability to inspire the nation to live up to its high ideals. The warmth of his personality always shone through, and his infectious optimism gave us all the feeling that it really was "morning in America." REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN ED GILLESPIE "Ronald Reagan was a president of great historic impact who led the United States with strength and conviction, and the positive impact of his policies is still felt today here and around the world. More than two decades after he was first elected president, the Republican Party still bears his imprint. Because Ronald Reagan lived, people across the globe live in greater freedom and prosperity." LT. COL OLIVER NORTH, NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL OFFICIAL under Reagan "Ronald Reagan was easily the greatest president of my lifetime -- and he will be regarded as one of the greatest leaders this country has ever had. "...a man of extraordinary vision, great compassion and resolute leadership. He brought down the Evil Empire and made the world safer for my children and theirs." SEN. CHRIS DODD, DEMOCRAT FROM CONNECTICUT, who battled Reagan over aid to the Contras. "Ronald Reagan was a patriot who reflected the eternal optimism of our nation. His charm, wit and character were evident throughout his long life, and his public service will never be forgotten." We miss you so much |
| Posted by:Mark Espinola |