Terry Everett, June 14, 2004

Last week, the nation paused to mourn the loss of our beloved former president, Ronald Wilson Reagan, who passed away at his home in California on June 5 at the age of 93. While the 40th president of the United States had a long and remarkable life, his passing still prompts feelings of sadness while Americans recall the pride he instilled in them.

President Reagan came along at a time in American history when the people had lost faith in their government and their leaders. Watergate, a crippling recession, and the humiliation of the Iranian hostage crisis lowered our national spirits causing many to doubt America's future. Marxism was on the march in Latin America, Africa, and Asia and much of the globe lived in the darkness of tyranny. Then entered President Reagan. He stirred forgotten emotions of patriotism at home while evoking courage in millions abroad struggling under the yolk of communism.

Ronald Reagan is credited with helping to end the Cold War. Indeed, President Reagan turned a demoralized, under supplied, and under funded military into a force which once again commanded fear and respect from our adversaries. He pushed the development of the Abrams tank, the B1-B Strategic Bomber, and the centerpiece of Army Aviation and Fort Rucker, the Apache attack helicopter. He gave our all volunteer military a long overdue 12.5 percent pay raise and expanded our Navy fleet including developing the long-range missile launching Trident submarine.

Another legacy of President Reagan - one for which he was attacked by the shortsighted - was his vision of a strategic missile defense for our nation and our allies. Thank God Ronald Reagan did not waiver in his resolve to pursue research into a missile defense for America. His unbridled determination to protect America from nuclear annihilation ultimately brought the Soviet Union to its knees.

Today, twenty years later, President Bush is leading the launch of a long-awaited missile defense system that will make America more secure from the threat of nuclear attack by a rogue nation or terrorist organization. The groundwork research and development of this vital defense program, the Strategic Defense Initiative, was begun under President Reagan.

I am honored to chair the House Armed Services subcommittee on Strategic Forces which has a direct role in the funding and oversight of this landmark missile defense system. And, I am proud to know that my subcommittee's efforts are the continuation of the promise made by Ronald Reagan to bring about a safer future for our families.

On a personal note, the people of the Second District of Alabama have a special love for Ronald Reagan. On July 10, 1986, Air Force One landed at Dothan Airport and President Reagan joined hundreds of Wiregrass residents for fried chicken and a discussion of his tax cut plan. Barbara and I enjoyed sharing this special moment. His charm and conservative message were very warmly received. It was clear to everyone there that he hated to leave, and we hated to give him up.

Now Alabama and America must say a final farewell to our beloved former President. Frankly, I can't imagine an America without Ronald Reagan. He symbolized more completely than anyone else in modern history what we love so much about our country. He made America 'America' again and for that we will always be grateful.

On behalf of the people of the Second District of Alabama, I send condolences to Nancy Reagan and her family. We join with the nation and the world in sharing in your grief.

Congressman Terry Everett, a Republican, represents Alabama's Second Congressional District, which includes the state capitol, Montgomery.