A toast to greatness.

On President Reagan's 25th Anniversary of his first term in office, I want to tell you what this man meant to me. I was in the U.S. Navy under Carter. For me, having to see Carter's photo on a wall in practically every building that I walked into became a job in itself. I, along with so many others, got out of the service while Carter was in, because Carter was in.

Then along came Ronald Reagan. He was the first President I had ever voted for. And vote for him, I did. Something about him made me realize that as long as he was at the helm; my family, my country, and I would be all right. As his term in office progressed, I began to admire this man more and more. President Reagan stood up to anyone and everyone. He didn't pull any punches. Reagan in my estimation is the American President. He is America.

In his First Inaugural Address, Tuesday, January 20, 1981, President Ronald W. Reagan said:

'Above all, we must realize that no arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women. It is a weapon our adversaries in today's world do not have. It is a weapon that we as Americans do have. Let that be understood by those who practice terrorism and prey upon their neighbors.'

He was talking about Communism; however, that part of his speech could be said in today's world. President Reagan, to me, was a man of vision. A man who truly loved his country and her people. A man who had faith in America and knew that we were capable of doing great things, have continued to do great things, and will continue to do great things.

'...and our willingness to believe in ourselves and to believe in our capacity to perform great deeds; to believe that together, with God's help, we can and will resolve the problems which now confront us.

And, after all, why shouldn't we believe that? We are Americans. God bless you, and thank you.'

This man, President Ronald Wilson Reagan is my hero. He will always be my hero. And to this, I say, "God bless you and thank you, Mr. President."


UPDATE: There are many out there that are toasting Reagan on the 25th Anniversary of his First Ingauration. First and foremost, Mike from Mike's America is hosting the party, so around of cheers need to go to him for coming up with the idea and including us. So far here are many who have contributed to the celebrations: Sparks from the Anvil, The Liberal Lie, The Conservative Truth, Grizzly Mama, American Crusader, Razor Sharp Claws. As Friday, the 20th slowly come around, stay tuned for more party-goers at Mike's house.