Ronald Reagan
In the broad scheme of things, one man means little to the world. However, on ocassion, one man stands out and makes a difference to, not just his family and friends, but the world.
Ronald Reagan was such a man.
When Ronald reagan took office I was in junior high school. I had little understanding of world politics or even the politics of my own country, the United States of America.
I recall being anti-establishment and disliking our president. I did not have any real reason for disliking him with the exception that he was president - a member of the elite rulers that, as a child, we all rebel against.
Somewhere along the line, I became interested in politics. I learned and understood more of how and why our country was founded. And, with every passing day, I became more of a supporter and believer in Ronald reagan and his notions of honor and the reasons for having a government.
It was, largely, thanks to Ronald reagan that I became aware of the idiological differences between the Democratic and Republican parties. Because of Reagan I became more aware of the policies of JFK and Jimmy Carter and other past presidents.
And during the Reagan presidency I became aware of the need for a strong military and the dangers that the Soviet Union presented to the world and the freedom of the peoples that live on this planet.
Thanks to Reagan I came to understand the importance in taking part in our political process and always voting and getting my voice heard - even if my voice was faint.
And, while I cannot say that I agreed with all of his policies, I can say that he influenced me to be better and to make sure that I participated in our country's process. He influenced me to study what and why things come to pass.
And, though he will be remembered for both good and bad - for the fall of the Soviet Union and for the Iran Contra affair - I will remember him as the man who brought this nation back from what it had become. I will remember him for bringing our national pride back. And, I will remember him as the first president who made me proud to be an American.
Thanks Ron.
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On this day in 1944, the allied forces invaded the beaches of Normandy. I salute the bravery and sacrafice that these men posessed. And, I thank them for their sacrafice.
And, lest I forget - thank you to Ed Roach, my grandfather, who faught in WWII, despite the fact that he was under age and turned down by every service but the Marines.
Unfortunately, he passed away at the age of 65, some years ago. I miss him to this day. I was lucky to have him and so was the USA and the US Marines.
