Shelley Moore Capito, July 14, 2004

Ronald Reagans service to America reflected the good freedom could do when waged against tyranny. During his presidency, he helped America win the Cold War, cut taxes invigorating our nations economy, and stood as beacon of hope inspiring Americans to rely on themselves not the government to overcome challenges in their lives.

When President Reagan stood in front of the Berlin Wall in June of 1987 calling upon Mikhail Gorbachev to tear down this wall he wanted to replace the instability brought by fear of nuclear war with the firm backing of freedom. President Reagan showed tremendous courage and leadership when he worked with Gorbachev to reduce the number of nuclear weapons, making the world a safer place. Today, in the spirit of President Reagan, America is working to bring the firm hand of freedom to the Middle East in hopes of preventing terror from taking hold.

In the early 1980s President Reagan cut taxes giving the American economy a needed a shot in the arm. These economic reforms were the boldest in history. Reagan believed Americans could use their money better then the government to improve the economy. Reagans efforts were criticized, but survived to prove effective. The American economy improved and people headed back to work with a new sense of optimism. The President believed in the ability of the American people more then the ability of government to make things better.

A few West Virginians recall President Ronald Reagan eating lunch at a corner table in the Yellow Brick Bank during a visit to Shepherdstown, WV, but most knew him best through television. His reassuring presence and comforting grace will always remain in our memory. No matter how you remember President Ronald Reagan, I hope you do so proudly because his service to our country is one of the most notable achievements in American history.

As America says goodbye to President Ronald Reagan, I hope we always remember the man, his optimism, and his belief in freedom. Every President will have to measure up to the high bar set by Ronald Reagan.

Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito, a Republican, represents West Virginia's 2nd Congressional District, which includes Charleston.