[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 664 Engrossed in House (EH)]
In the House of Representatives, U.S.,
June 9, 2004.
Whereas President Ronald Reagan reminded us that our great Nation was founded
and built by people with great dreams and the courage to take great
risks;
Whereas President Reagan reminded his countrymen of the Nation's calling in
world history: ``From our forefathers to our modern day immigrants,
we've come from every corner of the earth, from every race and every
ethnic background, and we've become a new breed in the world. We're
Americans, and we have a rendezvous with destiny.'';
Whereas President Reagan championed freedom and democracy throughout the world,
bringing courage to millions of people suffering the bondage of tyranny
and oppression;
Whereas on June 12, 1987, President Reagan stood at the Brandenburg Gate, the
symbol of communism's brutal oppression, and demanded: ``General
Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the
Soviet Union and eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization: Come here
to this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down
this wall!'';
Whereas on November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall was torn down, signifying the end
of the Cold War;
Whereas President Reagan, and his wife Nancy, brought dignity and respect to the
White House and dedicated their lives to promoting national pride and to
bettering the quality of life in the United States and throughout the
world;
Whereas on May 16, 2002, Congress bestowed the congressional gold medal in
recognition of their service to the Nation;
Whereas Ronald Reagan's eloquence united Americans in times of triumph and
tragedy;
Whereas on January 28, 1986, President Reagan comforted a grieving nation as
Americans mourned the death of seven American astronauts who ``slipped
the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God'';
Whereas President Reagan spent the twilight of his life as he always lived,
leading a fight against Alzheimer's disease with faith, courage, and
dignity, with the greatest love for the Nation and eternal optimism for
its future;
Whereas by opening his heart to the Nation about his affliction with Alzheimer's
disease, President Reagan promoted greater awareness of this condition;
and
Whereas President Reagan appealed to the best hopes of the American people, not
their worst fears, and to their confidence rather than their doubts:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) expresses its deepest appreciation for the profound public
service of President Ronald Reagan;
(2) expresses its condolences to Nancy Reagan and to Patti, Michael,
Ron, and the entire Reagan family;
(3) calls on the people of the United States to reflect on the
record of President Reagan during this national period of remembrance
and to remember always his encouraging words: ``We have every right to
dream heroic dreams.''; and
(4) directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to transmit a
copy of this resolution to the family of President Reagan.
Attest:
Clerk.