F. James Sensenbrenner, June 10, 2004

A shadow looms over us today as the nation mourns the loss of President Reagan. His death has unearthed a flood of memories since June 5. Memories of a President who led a country out of an economic and emotional malaise, memories of a warrior who fought the battle against communism and emerged victorious, and memories of a leader who magnetized a party. He was a man who opened the doors of the most powerful office in the world to the common man, and he restored awe to the oval office.

I first met Ronald Reagan over 40 years ago when I was an undergraduate student at Stanford University in California. It was easy to recognize him as a unique person, with an uncanny knack to bring out the best in everybody. He certainly proved that during his subsequent career: two successful terms as Governor of California and two successful terms as President of the United States, leaving office with the highest approval rating of any departing President since Franklin Roosevelt.

Ronald Reagan strived for the presidency only to give its power back to the people. Through his faith in the American citizen, the US gained its status as sole superpower. He turned rags to riches, and dictatorships into democracies. Since his demise, this nation has been reminded not only of his strengths as a leader, but also the humanity of his soul. Countless people have shared their stories of President Reagan -- personal moments of connections forged over a firm handshake, a warm fire, or a cold beer. His love for his country was only outweighed by his love for its people.

When President Reagan took office, he got us out of our national funk. His ‘Morning in America’ speech and his philosophy gave us as a Nation and as individual Americans the self-confidence to do what America has always done: that is, to achieve the ultimate dream, to overcome the impossible, and to have each and every one of us reach our highest and best.

I think that in the midst of remembering Ronald Reagan, we must not forget that we have not only lost a great President, we have lost a great man. Reagan said that, "when the Lord calls me home, whenever that may be, I will leave with the greatest love for this country of ours and eternal optimism for its future." President Reagan, you may rest in peace knowing that this country will miss you, and the American people will never forget you. As you yourself said, "All in all, not bad, not bad at all."

God bless you President Reagan.

Congressman James Sensenbrenner, a Republican, represents the Fifth Congressional District of Wisconsin. He serves as chairman of the House Committee on the Judiciary. The Fifth District of Wisconsin forms an arc surrounding Milwaukee to the North and West, and includes parts of Jefferson, Milwaukee and Waukesha counties, and all of Ozaukee and Washington counties.