On July 4th, 1986, President Ronald Reagan, well into his second term in office, spoke to the nation on that Independence Day to remind us all of the heroic spirit and optimism for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness which helped craft us into the greatest country the world had ever known.
A bold and eloquent speaker, Reagan’s address to the country became a high benchmark for future presidents to follow. While this speech was given decades ago, it echos through the years as fresh as ever as we reflect on the importance of Fourth of July once again.
Experience The Political Insider without ads
Watch the full speech below:
RELATED: How Republican Ronald Reagan Won Over Democrat Frank Sinatra’s Support
Always Remember
Experience The Political Insider without ads
In his speech, President Reagan emphasized the historical significance of the day, recalling the celebrations that took place across the land after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. He also doesn’t gloss over the men who bled for our nation so that we may be free, highlighting the bravery and commitment of the founding fathers who signed the declaration, pledging their lives and fortunes for the cause of independence.
Reagan made special note that as we remember the birth of our nation, we remember the universal claim to human dignity and freedom upon which the nation was built.
As Reagan and other Americans in that moment reflected on the past, the President also emphasized the importance of unity and courage, both in the past and the present. He recounted his experiences visiting historic landmarks and meeting young Americans in uniform, praising their bravery and expressing hope that their courage will never be tested in battle.
More importantly, and this hits as hard today as it did then, Reagan warned about the dangers of partisan politics and divisive forces within the country, drawing on the example of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson’s reconciliation late in life. He underscores the lesson of brotherhood and tolerance for one another, emphasizing the strength of America as a nation.
If you remember nothing else, remember Reagan’s call to all Americans to keep faith with the great figures of the past and to prioritize what unites them over what divides them. He reaffirmed the unity of the nation, regardless of religion, race, or political affiliation, emphasizing the shared values of freedom and hope.
Now is the time to support and share the sources you trust.
The Political Insider ranks #3 on Feedspot’s “100 Best Political Blogs and Websites.”
Read this Next on ThePoliticalInsider.com
These Two Founding Fathers BOTH Died on the 4th of July, Exactly 50 Years After the Declaration of Independence
Leave a Comment
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.
President Reagan built back the economy from high unemployment, inflation, and interest rates. He built back the military after Vietnam War. Finally, Reagan set out to end “the evil empire” of communist USSR. “We win. They lose,” he quipped to reporters. They thought he was mad. The Vietnam Era just ended in April 1975, just a few years before his election in 1980.
The common belief by most was that communism was here to stay. Reagan was a “cowboy,” who was considered dangerous by the Democrat media and Europeans. However, President did exactly that: he helped in end the enslavement of Eastern Europe and even the USSR, herself.
Reagan preached limited government. He knew the dangers of totalitarianism. He believed that the state existed for the people. Now the Democrat Party has embraced the opposite: citizens exist for the state. Look how they oppose parental rights in Florida and elsewhere.
Reagan was my favorite president, as with so many Americans.