Remembering the Gipper

REMEMBERING THE GIPPER -- (House of Representatives - June 09, 2004)

(Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the world is grieving this week over the loss of a true American hero, President Ronald Wilson Reagan. Ronald Reagan defined the honor and dignity of the office of the Presidency, and he lifted the spirits of a Nation with his hope and joyfulness that sprang from an abiding faith in God and a deeply held belief in the American dream.

President Reagan entered office during a time of doubt and despair and malaise with the economy sputtering and a looming Cold War that threatened our families. Yet he brought his conservative principles of individual freedom, limited government, personal responsibility, and peace through strength.

President Reagan led a successful revolution to promote tax cuts, recognizing taxes are the people's own money. He achieved victory in the Cold War, expanding democracy worldwide. And he realigned America's political process with an open door especially for young people.

His legacy lives on today as America unites to fight the war on terror liberating millions from tyranny to protect American families as our economy is booming through tax relief.

May God bless the Reagan family. May God bless our troops. And may God continue to bless America.