Mourning the Passing of President Ronald Reagan

Mourning The Passing of President Ronald Reagan -- (House of Representatives - June 09, 2004)

Mr. COX. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to the previous order of the House, I call up the resolution (H. Res. 664) mourning the passing of President Ronald Reagan and celebrating his service to the people of the United States and his leadership in promoting the cause of freedom for all the people of the world, and ask for its immediate further consideration.

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Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time.

Mr. Speaker, President Reagan changed our hearts with his optimistic outlook on life, the world and our place in it. He came to office at a time in our history when we were a little bruised and battered, and, simply said, he pulled us up by our bootstraps and taught us how to get back on the horse that knocked us off.

"America is too great for small dreams," he once said, but to Ronald Reagan these were not merely words that were used in a 30-second sound bite. These were words that went to the core of the man.

He reminded us that even though we may have our differences, our common bond as Americans sets us apart from the rest of the world. He believed in all that is good in America because he believed there is good in every American.

Ronald Reagan was a hero to me and a hero to an entire generation. He leaves a legacy of hope and prosperity that will last for generations to come.

I know there is a special place in heaven for Ronald Reagan, and I know in my heart he heard the words, "Well done."