Mar 4, 1987 Excerpt from Ronald Reagan Address to the Nation on the Iran Arms and Contra Aid Controversy. "Much has been said about my management style, a style that's worked successfully for me during 8 years as Governor of California and for most of my Presidency. The way I work is to identify the problem, find the right individuals to do the job, and then let them go to it. I've found this invariably brings out the best in people. They seem to rise to their full capability, and in the long run you get more done."
June 12, 1987 Excerpt from Remarks on East-West Relations at the Brandenburg Gate in West Berlin. Ronald Reagan praises the few thaws of freedom within the Soviet Union, but wonders if the Soviets' expression for change is real or simply an empty token gesture. "And now the Soviets themselves may, in a limited way, be coming to understand the importance of freedom. We hear much from Moscow about a new policy of reform and openness. Some political prisoners have been released. Certain foreign news broadcasts are no longer being jammed. Some economic enterprises have been permitted to operate with greater freedom from state control. Are these the beginnings of profound changes in the Soviet state? Or are they token gestures, intended to raise false hopes in the West, or to strengthen the Soviet system without changing it?" edit "As I looked out a moment ago from the Reichstag, that embodiment of German unity, I noticed words crudely spray-painted upon the wall, perhaps by a young Berliner, "This wall will fall. Beliefs become reality." Yes, across Europe, this wall will fall. For it cannot withstand faith; it cannot withstand truth. The wall cannot withstand freedom." edit "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!" Much applause and flag-waving.
October 12, 1986 Excerpt from Remarks to American Military Personnel and Their Families in Keflavik, Iceland. Reagan says that though Gorbachev rejected the arms control offer, he is still optimistic. "We came to Iceland to advance the cause of peace, and though we put on the table the most far-reaching arms control proposal in history, the General Secretary rejected it. However, we made great strides in Iceland in resolving most of our differences, and we're going to continue the effort."
October 6, 1986 Excerpt from Remarks at a White House Briefing on Soviet-United States Relations for the President's Commission on Executive Exchange. Reagan says he looks forward to meeting w/ Gorbachev in Iceland. "We're discussing not just arms control, for example, but arms reduction, as well as human rights and regional conflicts. Progress toward our twin goals of peace and freedom then will not be easy. As I mentioned in my Saturday radio talk, we seek the support of all Americans. We need your help, and we also need, as I said, some careful preparation. And that's why we agreed to the talks in Iceland and will look forward to meeting Mr. Gorbachev there."
June 11, 1986 Excerpt from The President's News Conference. Reagan says Gorbachev is first Russian to even discuss arms reductions.
Presidential Inauguration 1981: MS Chief Justice WARREN BURGER administering Oath of Office to U.S. President RONALD REAGAN, wife NANCY REAGAN watching. Jan 20, 1981; LS four ceremonial howitzers being fired in honor of Reagan's inauguration.
Presidential Inauguration 1981: MS Ronald & Nancy waving to crowd from podium at Inauguration; Jimmy Carter shakes Ron's hand, congratulates him.
November 13, 1986 Address to the Nation on the Iran Arms and Contra Aid Controversy (Iranian arms for hostages deal). Ronald Reagan tells the "truth", opting to discuss the "facts" about the secret initiative with Iran before the rumors grew into groundswells; denies allegations about trading arms for hostages or any ransom schemes of the sort; says that those who think we've gone soft on terrorism should consult with Mommar Khadafy. Iran-Contra scandal. "Good evening. I know you've been reading, seeing and hearing a lot of stories the past several days that have been attributed to Danish sailors, unnamed observers at Italian ports and Spanish harbors and especially unnamed government officials of my administration. Now you're going to hear the facts from a White House source, and you know my name. I want at this time to talk with you about an extremely sensitive and profoundly important matter of foreign policy. For eighteen month now, we have had underway a secret diplomatic initiative to Iran. That initiative was undertaken for the simplest and best of reasons, to renew a relationship with the nation of Iran, to bring an honorable end to the bloody six year war between Iran and Iraq, to eliminate state sponsor terrorism and subversion, and to effect the safe return of all hostages. Without Iran's cooperation we can not bring an end to the Persian Gulf war. Without Iran's concurrence there can be no enduring peace in the Middle East. For 10 days now, the American and world press have been full of reports and rumors about this initiative and these objectives. Now my fellow Americans, there is an old saying that 'nothing spreads so quickly as a rumor.' So I thought it was time to speak with you directly, to tell you first hand about our dealings with Iran. As Will Rodgers once said, ' Rumor travels faster, but it don't stay put as long as truth.' So let's get to the facts. The charge has been made that the United States has shipped weapons to Iran as ransom payment for the release of American hostages in Lebanon. That the United States undercut its allies and secretly violated American policy against trafficking with terrorists. Those charges are utterly false... Our government has a firm policy, not to capitulate to terrorist demands. That no concessions policy remains in force. In spite of the wildly speculative and false stories about arms for hostages, and alleged ransom payments, we did not, repeat, did not, trade weapons or anything else for hostages. Nor will we. Those who think we have gone soft on terrorism, should take up the question with Colonel Qaddafi."
Jan 29, 1981 The President's News Conference. Ronald Reagan announces that he and Sec. of the Interior David Regan have requested Congress to raise the debt ceiling, then blames government for spending beyond its means. "How do you do. I have a brief opening statement here, before I take your questions. Yesterday the Secretary of the Treasury, Donald Regan, sent to the Congress a request to raise the debt ceiling to 985 billion dollars. This represents a dramatic jump of 50 billion dollars over the previous debt ceiling. The administration took this action with great regret because it is clear that the massive deficits our government runs is one of the roost causes of our profound economic problems. And for too many years this process has come to easily for us. We've lived beyond our means and then financed our extravagance on the backs of the American people. The clear message I received in the election campaign is that we must gain control of this inflationary monster."
Mar 23, 1983 Ronald Reagan Address to the Nation on Defense and National Security. As the Soviets have increased their military power, they have been emboldened to extend that power. They re spreading their military influence in ways that can directly challenge our vital interest and those of our allies. The following aerial photographs, most of them secret until now, illustrate this point in a crucial area very close to home, Central America and the Caribbean Basin. Their not dramatic photographs but I think they ll give you a better understanding what I m talking about. (Photograph - Airfield Under Construction - Point Salines, Grenada) 10,000 Foot Runway, Fuel Storage). On the small island of Grenada, at the southern end of the Caribbean Chain, the Cubans with Soviet financing and backing are in the process in building an airfield with a 10,000 foot runway. Grenada doesn t even have an air force. Whose is it intended for?
Sept 5, 1983 Ronald Reagan TV address regarding the Korean Airliner Flight 007 shot down by the Soviets. Ronald Reagan denounces the heinous act. I m coming before you tonight about the Korean airline massacre. The attack by the Soviet Union against 269 innocent men, women and children aboard an unarmed Korean passenger plane. This crime against humanity must never be forgotten, here or throughout the world. Despite the savagery of their crime, the universal reaction against them, and the evidence of their complicity, the Soviets still refuse to tell the truth. They have persistently refused to admit that their pilot fired on the Korean aircraft. Indeed they have not even told their own people, that a plane was shot down. Let me state as plainly as I can. There was absolutely no justification either legal or moral for what the Soviets did.
Sept 26, 1983, Ronald Reagan Address Before the 38th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, New York. He calls USSR's bluff in terms of arms reduction; good wide shots of delegates, delegate hall. I call upon the Soviet Union today to reduce the tensions it has heaped on the world in the past few weeks and to show a firm commitment to peace by coming to the bargaining table with a new understanding of its obligations. I urge it to match our flexibility. If the Soviets sit down at the bargaining table seeking genuine arms reductions, there will be arms reductions. The governments of the West and their people will not be diverted by misinformation and threats. The time has come for the Soviet Union to show proof. That it wants arms control in reality not just in rhetoric.
May 16, 1984, Ronald Reagan Remarks at the Annual Awards Dinner of the White House News Photographers Association. He is speaking in TV address about the safe return of the American students from Grenada, quantifying the Grenada invasion. Earlier this year one event said it all. It took place at an air base in South Carolina. Shortly after a plane had returned from Grenada carrying the medical students whom been trapped at St. George s Medical School. As one student got off the plane, we all know, he dropped to his knees and kissed the good earth of the United States. And nearby there was a news photographer clicked his camera that caught that moment for all Americans to share.
June 22, 1983: Ronald Reagan Remarks at the National Conference of the National Federation of Independent Business. He gives a glowing economic report to a meeting of independent businesssmen. It s clear that recovery is strengthening and spreading throughout the economy. Venture capitol investments have reached record levels. New businesses are being formed at near record rates. The stock market has awakened from a decade of disappointment to surge into new high ground. Sunrise industries are springing up like jackrabbits. Production in autos and steel is regaining strength. Housing starts, in May climb to the highest levels in three and a half years. Factories in May ran in their highest rate in fifteen months. More and more workers are being called back. And as Al Jolson would have said, You aint seen nothing yet. But there s an easier way to tell you that our program works. That recovery is here, and the economy is beginning to sparkle. I ve said this a few times before but I ll say it again. Suddenly our critics are no longer calling the program Reaganomics.
June 17, 1984, Ronald Reagan Remarks at the Opening of the 1984 International Games for the Disabled in Uniondale, New York. It is my honor to declare the 1984 international games for the disabled officially opened. Thank you, and God Bless You All. Thank you. Begin the games C/A's of participants in wheelchairs passing by grandstand, then in competition.
Jan 29, 1984 address to the nation regarding the Reagan / Bush re-election campaign, announcing that he will seek re-election. It s been nearly three years since I first spoke to you from this room. Together we faced many difficult problems and I ve come to feel a special bond of kinship with each one of you. Tonight, I m here for a different reason. I come to a difficult personal decision as to whether or not I should seek re-election. America is back, and standing tall. We ve begun to restore great American values, the dignity at work, warmth of family, strength of neighborhood and the nourishment of human freedom. But our work is not finished. This historic room and the Presidency belong to you. It is your right and responsibility every four years to give somebody temporary custody of this office and of the institution of Presidency. You so honored me and I m grateful. Grateful and proud of what together, we had accomplished. We have made a new beginning. Vice President Bush and I would like to have your continued support and cooperation in completing in what we began three years ago. I am therefore announcing that I am a candidate and will seek re-election to the office I presently hold.
EST shots of the Reagan ranch outside of Santa Barbara. MSs RONALD REAGAN grooming and riding horses. MSs sawing wood with a chainsaw, working in the yard while wearing a white t-shirt. VO of Reagan recounting his decision to seek re-election in 1984. Before I reach my decision to run for re-election, some people thought that maybe I d be happy to retire to that beautiful ranch outside of Santa Barbra, and spend the rest of my life enjoying the simple things, riding horses, chopping wood and spending time with Nancy, being outdoors and close to all of God s natural gifts. But they forget, there are so many things that remain to be done, so many challenges that must be met. I would have felt like a quitter if I just walked away from getting federal spending under control, for once and for all. Or reforming or simplifying our tax system.
Nov 5, 1984, Ronald Reagan Remarks at a Reagan-Bush Rally in San Diego, California. This is the last rally of my election campaign. And four years ago this particular day, it was also right here in this same place that we had that rally. But there s so much to do and plan for. These past few months have been really something. We took our campaign out to the country. We journeyed to the bright grid of the cities and the suburbs of the East and we went to the broad avenues of the sun belt. We talked to farmers outside of Des Moines and families in the shopping malls. On a whistle stop Tour in Harry Truman s old train, I went across Ohio and saw the people of that state spill out waving flags. We ve been to University and College campuses all across the country. And we saw a dazzling new generation coming to life with an honest love for America. Now a couple of weeks ago, I ran out of time on a debate. I didn t get to finish what I set out to say, I m going to say it here. All of us or most of us grew up in America where we took it for granted that we could dream and make our dreams come true, fly as high and as far as our ability and effort would take us. Then we came to a time not too long ago where people began telling us that those days were over, that we were in an era of limits. That there was a ceiling and we never again could have it as quite as good as they had been. Well don t you believe it. My generation and those other generations I mentioned, we have a sacred trust and we re going to fill that trust and that is, to see that when the time comes, to turn the reigns over to you, we re going to turn over to you a country that is free in a world that is at peace. And now just one last request. One last request. Don t read the polls, don t get complacent. The last time I looked at Mount Rushmore, President Dewey s face wasn t up there. We need every vote, so make up your mind your vote is needed. Get out there and vote, get your neighbors to vote. Go to the polls tomorrow. Our best days are yet to come. And now, for the last time in a campaign that I can say it, because I know it drives a certain candidate up the wall, I m going to say it, and that is, You Ain t Seen Nothing Yet.
Election Night, Nov. 6, 1984. Remarks at an Reelection Celebration in Los Angeles, California. Ronald Reagan at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles after whipping Walter Mondale in the presidential elections (crowd eagerly waves small American flags as Ron and family take stage; they chant for four more years, then chant NANCY Reagan's name). Ladies and Gentlemen, the President of the United States, Mrs. Reagan and the family. (Applause and cheering) The band is playing Hail to the Chief. Four more years. Four more years. Four more Years Ronald Reagan, Thank you all very much, thank you. Thank you. I think that s just been arranged. (More cheering) Nancy and I would like to express (More cheering - extremely loud) The crowd is cheering, Nancy, Nancy, Nancy. The President leans over and says to his wife, They're yelling for you. Nancy thanks you. Seems like we did this four years ago. Let me just say, that you know, good habits are hard to break.
Jan 21, 1985 Inauguration: RONALD REAGAN being sworn in as President by Chief Justice WARREN BURGER in the Capitol rotunda. Ron kisses wife NANCY REAGAN. Diss to speech. Four years ago I spoke to you about a new beginning and we have accomplished that. But in another sense our new beginning is a continuation of that beginning created two centuries ago. When for the first time in history, Government, the people said, was not our master it is our servant. Its only power, that which we the people, allow it to have. Let history say of us, these were Golden Years, when the American Revolution was reborn, when freedom gained New Life and America reached for its best.
Mar 11, 1985 press conference regarding the death of Soviet Head of State Konstantin Ustinovich Chernenko, remaining optimistic that arms reduction progress with his sucessor will continue. Today we ve learned of a death of Head of State, Konstantin Chernenko. And I sent my condolences to the Soviet leadership and people. I want them to know that we will deal with Chairman s Chernenko successor with an open mind and will continue our efforts to improve relations between our two nations, to settle our differences fairly and particularly, to lower the levels of nuclear arms. Tomorrow in Geneva, American negotiators will sit down with their Soviet counter parts to begin the most important arms talks, in which our nation will likely to participate, for the rest of this decade. Press, Are you anxious to meet the new Soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachev? Reagan, Very much so. And I was with the previous three also. (Half laughing) I was ready to have a meeting, and as they themselves said, At such a time if you have a legitimate agenda and not just have a meeting to get acquainted .
July 8, 1985: Ronald Reagan Remarks at the Annual Convention of the American Bar Association. He discusses terrorism. It will not surprise any of you to know that in addition to Iran, we have identified another nation, Libya, as deeply involved in terrorism. We have evidence which links Libyan agents or surrogates to at least 25 incidents last year. Colonel Khadafy outrages against civilized conduct are of course infamous as those of the Ayatollah Khomeini. So the American people are not, and I repeat, not, going to tolerate intimidation, terror and outright acts of war against this nation and its people. And we re especially not going to tolerate these attacks from outlaw states, run by the strangest collection of misfits, looney toons and squalled criminals since the advent the Third Reich.
Oct 24, 1985, Ronald Reagan Address to the 40th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, New York He speaks about impending Geneva Talks w/ Mikhail Gorbachev. C/As politicos EDOUARD SHEVARDNADZE, GEORGE SCHULTZ. When Mr. Gorbachev and I meet in Geneva next month. I look to a fresh start in a relationship of our two nations. We can and we should meet in the sprit that we can deal with our differences peacefully. And that is what we expect. The United States never saw Treaties merely to paper over differences. We continue to believe that a nuclear war is one that cannot be won, and must never be fought. And that is why we have sought for nearly 10 years, still seek and will discuss in Geneva, radical, equitable, verifiable reductions in these vast arsenals of offensive nuclear weapons.
Jan 25, 1985 Ronald Reagan Remarks at the 1985 Reagan Administration Executive Forum It s been a tremendous four years and I m feeling absolutely bullish on the next four. I was just thinking the other day that in our first administration we made history, and the second, we can change history forever. I think there s an understandable tendency when the second term begins, to think that all the great work is behind us, that the big battles have been fought and all the rest is anti-climax. Well, that s not true. What s gone before is prologue. Our greatest battles lie ahead. All is newness now and the possibility of great and fundamental change. We can change America, forever. And that s some great and beautiful music we been playing these four years, but the way I see it, from here on it s Shake Rattle and Roll. (Loud applause)
Jan 28, 1986 Ronald Reagan Address to the Nation on the Explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger. I planned to speak to you tonight to report on the State of the Union. But the events of earlier today have led me to change those plans. Today is a day for mourning and remembering. Nancy and I are pained to the core of the tragedy of the shuttle, Challenger. We know we share this pain with all of the people of our country. This is truly a national loss. And I want to say something to the schoolchildren of America who were watching the live coverage of the shuttle s take off. I know it s hard to understand but sometimes painful things like this happen. It s all part of the process of exploration and discovery. It s all part of taking a chance and expanding man s horizons. The future doesn t belong to the faint hearted, it belongs to the brave.
Jan 31, 1986 Remarks at the Memorial Service for the Crew of the Space Shuttle Challenger in Houston, Texas. President Ronald Reagan delivers a eulogy for the heroes. C/A Camelot kids JOHN F. KENNEDY, JR. (JFK, Jr., John F. Kennedy Jr.) and CAROLINE KENNEDY seated in crowd, listening to speech. C/As of the bereaved listening to the President speak. We come together today to mourn the loss of seven brave Americans. To share the grief we all feel, and perhaps in that sharing to find the strength, to bare our sorrow, and the courage to look for the seeds of hope. Our nation is indeed fortunate, that we can still draw on immense reservoirs of courage, character and fortitude. That we re still blessed with Heros, like those of space shuttle Challenger. Dick Scobee knew that every launching of a space shuttle is a technological miracle, and he said, That if something ever does go wrong, I hope that doesn t mean the end to the space shuttle program. Every family member I talk to, ask specifically that we continue the program that is what their departed loved one would want, above all else. We will not disappoint them.
June 11, 1986 Ronald Reagan Remarks to Participants in the Young Astronauts Program. So yes, were going ahead with a space program worthy of the memory of the Challenger Seven. Their commitment to excellence will guide us on to new and even greater achievements and conquests. For our journey into space, we have a co-pilot now, the memory, the sprit of the Challenger Seven.
Oct 6, 1986 Ronald Reagan Remarks at a White House Briefing on Soviet-United States Relations for the President's Commission on Executive Exchange. As I mentioned in my Saturday radio talk we seek the support of all Americans. We need your help and we also need, as I said some careful preparations. That s why we agreed to the talks in Iceland and to look forward to meeting Mr. Gorbachev there.
Jan 11, 1989 Farewell Address to the Nation. Reagan's last as President. Intercut with footage of Ron and NANCY Reagan leaving the White House, GEORGE BUSH and BARBARA BUSH sending them off; Ron salutes from Presidential helicopter Marine One which then takes off. "My fellow Americans. This is the 34th time I'll speak to you from the Oval Office and the last. We've been together eight years now, and soon it'll be time for me to go. But before I do, I wanted to share some thoughts, some of which I've been saving for a long time. It's been the honor of my life to be your president. So many of you have written the past few weeks to say thanks, but I could say as much to you. Nancy and I are grateful for the opportunity you gave us to serve." "They called it the Reagan revolution. Well, I'll accept that, but for me it always seemed more like the great rediscovery, a rediscovery of our values and our common sense." "And in all of that time I won a nickname, "The Great Communicator." But I never thought it was my style or the words I used that made a difference: It was the content. I wasn't a great communicator, but I communicated great things, and they didn't spring full bloom from my brow, they came from the heart of a great nation, from our experience, our wisdom, and our belief in principles that have guided us for two centuries." "And in all of that time I won a nickname, "The Great Communicator." But I never thought it was my style or the words I used that made a difference: It was the content. I wasn't a great communicator, but I communicated great things, and they didn't spring full bloom from my brow, they came from the heart of a great nation--from our experience, our wisdom, and our belief in principles that have guided us for two centuries." "We've done our part. And as I walk off into the city streets, a final word to the men and women of the Reagan revolution, the men and women across America who for eight years did the work that brought America back. My friends: We did it. We weren't just marking time. We made a difference. We made the city stronger. We made the city freer, and we left her in good hands. All in all, not bad, not bad at all. And so, good-bye, God bless you, and God bless the United States of America."
May 17, 1988 Remarks and a Question-and-Answer Session With Reporters. A reporter asks Ronald Reagan if he denies using astrology to help scheduling presidential events. Popular belief in pseudoscience. Reporter, "Do you deny that either you or Mrs. Reagan used astrology on any occasion during your time here at the White House to help set the schedule for trips or the signing of the INF treaty. I must say this goes against what a lot of aids are telling us, sir." Reagan, "Well. I'm only going to tell you one thing. And that is, after I had been shot, which was quite a traumatic experience for my wife. And though I was confident that I was going to be alright, other people can't know that. A friend, now she was getting a great many calls from friends, and a friend called and said that he'd known what I was going to do that day and so forth because, he mentioned someone who had said that all the signs were bad and everything else. And Nancy was, well it was a trauma that didn't go away easily. And when suddenly things of the same kind, just for a short period there, when I was booked for something of the same kind as the accident occurred, why she would ask, what does it look like now. And no changes were ever made on the basis of whether I did or did not conduct this." Reporter, "What about the changes to the signing of the INF treaty?" Reagan, "No, it wasn't. Nothing of that kind was going on. This was all, once again smoke and mirrors."
May 11, 1988 Remarks at the Annual Republican Congressional Fundraising Dinner. Ronald Reagan says he's going to work hard to make VP George Bush the next president of the United States. "If I may, I'd like to take just a moment to talk about my future plans. In doing so, I'll break a silence I've maintained for some time with regard to the Presidential candidates. I'm going to work as hard as I can to make Vice President George Bush, the next President of the United States." Applause. People stand and cheer. LS of GEORGE BUSH and BARBARA BUSH walking onstage to join hands with the Ron and NANCY Reagan, red white and blue balloons falling about them.
May 31, 1988, Ronald Reagan visits Moscow, Russia for Summit Meeting: MS/TLSs of Reagan and MIKHAIL GORBACHEV (and entourage) touring the streets of Moscow.
Nov 16, 1988: Ron & Nancy welcome PM Margaret Thatcher to the White House. Informal Exchange With Reporters Prior to a Meeting With British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. MS Margaret Thatcher discussing the end of Reagan's administrative term, praising him and his efforts. "They're mixed obviously. I'm so pleased to see him and have the chance of thanking him, everything he's done for freedom in the world. But of course I'm sad that I'll not sit in this position, with him sitting in that chair again. Because we knew one another before he was the President and before I was the Prime Minister, and we had the same political dreams and the same ways of achieving them. And we were both just recalling a moment ago, I remember a time Governor Reagan came to see me in my room in the House of Commons when I was leader of the opposition. So, there are lots of times to recall. But I think the nicest thing of all, its a very different world now and a very much better one. And a very much more hopeful one then it was then." Zoom out to MS of her and Reagan sitting in White House, talking with reporters, Reagan reciprocates the feeling. "There are some things she says about the state of the world, she has played a major role in bringing those things about, and these improvements. And when you stop to think today that the unity we have with the united allies in NATO. I don't think very much of the world can remember when more than four decades of peace have followed as a result of that." Thatcher, " That was staunch and consistent leadership. The President staked out the ground on which he wished to fight, he stood on that ground and he fought and he won."
June 17, 1982 Excerpt from Remarks in New York, New York, Before the United Nations General Assembly Special Session Devoted to Disarmament. Ronald Reagan stresses the importance of deterring conflict worldwide and his commitment to it. "The United States has fought four wars in my lifetime. In each, we struggled to defend freedom and democracy. We were never the aggressors. America's strength and, yes, her military power have been a force for peace, not conquest; for democracy, not despotism; for freedom, not tyranny. Watching, as I have, succeeding generations of American youth bleed their lives onto far-flung battlefields to protect our ideals and secure the rule of law, I have known how important it is to deter conflict. But since coming to the Presidency, the enormity of the responsibility of this office has made my commitment even deeper."
November 18, 1981 Excerpt from Remarks to Members of the National Press Club on Arms Reduction and Nuclear Weapons. Ronald Reagan talks about the significance of the United States' involvement in WWI and WWII. "Twice in my lifetime, I have seen the peoples of Europe plunged into the tragedy of war. Twice in my lifetime, Europe has suffered destruction and military occupation in wars that statesmen proved powerless to prevent, soldiers unable to contain, and ordinary citizens unable to escape. And twice in my lifetime, young Americans have bled their lives into the soil of those battlefields not to enrich or enlarge our domain, but to restore the peace and independence of our friends and Allies. All of us who lived through those troubled times share a common resolve that they must never come again."
July 8, 1985 Excerpt from Remarks at the Annual Convention of the American Bar Association. Ronald Reagan says USSR is totalaristic. "You see, it's true that totalitarian governments are very powerful and, over the short term, may be better organized than the democracies. But it's also true - and no one knows this better than totalitarian rulers themselves - that these regimes are weak in a way that no democracy can ever be weak." edit "I have on my desk at home a letter signed by 10 women in the Soviet Union. They are all in a prison camp in that Union - a labor camp. The letter is no more than 2\1/2\ inches wide and just an inch high, and yet, by hand, they wrote a complete letter, signed their 10 names to it, smuggled that and another document just a little bigger - about a 3-inch square of paper - that is the chart of the hunger strikes they have endured. And they smuggled it out to be sent to me because they wanted to tell me and all of you that the United States, where they are, in that prison, still remains their hope that keeps them going - their hope for the world."
August 23, 1984 Excerpt from Remarks Accepting the Presidential Nomination at the Republican National Convention in Dallas, Texas. C/As of white convention delegates (decked out in cheap and strange GOP celebratory wares, natch) listening and cheering Ronald Reagan; zooming (in) MS of NANCY REAGAN and RON REAGAN, JR. "In the 4 years before we took office, country after country fell under the Soviet yoke. Since January 20th, 1981, not 1 inch of soil has fallen to the Communists."
October 13, 1986 Excerpt from Address to the Nation on the Meetings With Soviet General Secretary Gorbachev in Iceland. Reagan says the Soviets must show their sincerity for change. "I made it plain that the United States would not seek to exploit improvement in these matters for purposes of propaganda. But I also made it plain, once again, that an improvement of the human condition within the Soviet Union is indispensable for an improvement in bilateral relations with the United States. For a government that will break faith with its own people cannot be trusted to keep faith with foreign powers. So, I told Mr. Gorbachev -- again in Reykjavik, as I had in Geneva -- we Americans place far less weight upon the words that are spoken at meetings such as these than upon the deeds that follow. When it comes to human rights and judging Soviet intentions, we're all from Missouri -- you got to show us."
January 1, 1986 Excerpt from New Year's Messages of President Reagan and Soviet General Secretary Gorbachev. Reagan talks (briefly) about the first summit w/ Gorbachev, extends good will upon the Soviet people. "Good evening. This is Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America. I'm pleased to speak to you on the occasion of the New Year. This is a time for reflection and for hope. As we look back on the year just concluded and on the year that is to come, I want to share with you my hopes for the New Year, hopes for peace, prosperity, and good will that the American and Soviet people share. Just over a month ago, General Secretary Gorbachev and I met for the first time in Geneva. Our purpose was to begin a fresh chapter in the relations between our two countries and to try to reduce the suspicions and mistrust between us."
September 9, 1985: MS as President Ronald Reagan signs executive order imposing "modified" sanctions on South Africa and explains his intentions in signing it. CU Reagan, I want to work with the Congress to advance bipartisan support for America's policy toward South Africa, and that's why I have put forward this Executive order today.
MS/CUs NANCY REAGAN and RONALD REAGAN arriving at polling place, voting in the 1966 California gubernatorial election.
Nov 4, 1980, Ronald Reagan speaks at Century Plaza Hotel after winning presidential election, wife NANCY REAGAN at his side. "Let me just say first of all, there has never been a more humbling moment in my life and I give you my sacred oath that I will do my utmost to justify your faith." DISS to MS Ron & Nancy being greeted by JIMMY CARTER and ROSALYN CARTER at White House on Inauguration Day, 1981. "Earlier this evening, I spoke on the phone with President Carter, the President pledged the utmost in cooperation in the transition that will take place."
Jan 20, 1981 Excerpt from Reagan's Inaugural speech. "You and I as individuals, can by borrowing, live beyond our means, but for only a limited period of time. Why then should we think that collectively as a Nation, we're not bound by that same limitation. We must act today in order to preserve tomorrow. And let there be no misunderstanding, we are going to begin to act, beginning today." Cut to MSs of Ron and Nancy on parade from Inauguration ceremony (great MS of Ron clapping enthusiastically at passing soldiers).
Jan 20, 1981, Ronald Reagan Toast at the Inaugural Luncheon. Speaking to small group of Republicans, announces that the Iranian hostages have been freed and are en route to the US. "With thanks to Almighty God, I have been given a tag line, the get off line that everyone wants, for the end of a toast or speech or anything else. Some thirty minutes ago the planes bearing our prisoners, left Iranian air space and are now free of Iran. "
Jan 27, 1981 Ronald Reagan Remarks at the Welcoming Ceremony for the Freed American Hostages. Speaking at White House ceremony honoring the former hostages, says that the American people suffered along with them. MS of GEORGE BUSH and BARBARA BUSH standing with NANCY REAGAN, STROM THURMOND wearing neck brace in BG "... and I can think of no better way to let you know how Nancy and I feel about your presence here today, then to say on behalf of us, of the Vice President and Barbara, the Senators, the members of Congress, members of the cabinet and all of our fellow citizens, these simple words, Welcome Home." Panning CU former hostages. "You've come home to a people, who for 444 days suffered the pain of your imprisonment, prayed for your safety, and most importantly, shared your determination that the spirit of free men and women is not a fit subject for barter."
Feb 18, 1981 Ronald Reagan Address Before a Joint Session of the Congress on the Program for Economic Recovery. Announces economic reform package to Joint Session of Congress. "Only a month ago I was your guest in this historic building. And I pledged to you my cooperation in doing what is right for this nation that we all love so much. I'm here tonight to reaffirm that pledge and to ask that we share in restoring the promise that is offered to every citizen, by this, the last best hope of man on earth. This then is our proposal, America's new beginning, a program for economic recovery. I don't want it to be simply the plan of my administration. I'm here tonight to ask you to join me in making it our plan. Together we can embark on this road." applause begins and he receives standing ovation. Shots of Congress giving Reagan a standing ovation. MS Reagan, GEORGE BUSH and Speaker of the House TIP O'NEILL. "Thank you very much. I should have arranged to quit right there." (Laughter)
Jan 20, 1983 Ronald Reagan Remarks and a Question-and-Answer Session With Reporters on the Second Anniversary of the Inauguration of the President. He opens the third year of his presidency by rehashing his goals. Some of you may know today marks the second anniversary of this administration. Time flies when you re having fun. I remember John Kennedy saying that, when he came into office the thing that surprised him most, was to find that things were just a bad as he been saying they were. My case the biggest surprise was finding out that they were even worse. And it s a real human tragedy that so many of our people today are still suffering for the political mistakes of the past that we ve finely started to correct. Looking back, I guess my greatest satisfaction is the conviction that the country was skidding dangerously in the wrong direction, loosing the respect of friends and foes alike in the world and even worse loosing faith in its own future, has been set on the right course. We begun to undo the damage of the over taxing, over spending, over regulating binge of the 60 s and 70 s has inflected the American way of life and we made America respected in the world again.
Oct 27, 1983 Ronald Reagan Address to the Nation on Events in Lebanon and Grenada. TV address regarding the terrorist truck bombing of Marine headquarters in Beirut & the invasion of Grenada. This past Sunday at 22 minutes after 6, Beirut time, with dawn just breaking, a truck looking like a lot of other vehicles in the city approached the airport on a busy main road. There was nothing in its appearance to suggest it was any different than the trucks or cars that were normally seen on and around the airport. But this one was different. At the wheel was a young man on a suicide mission. The truck carried some 2,000 lbs. of explosives. But there was no way our Marine guards could know this. Their first warning that something was wrong came when a truck crashed through a series of barriers including a chain link fence and barbed wire entanglements. The guards opened fire but it was too late. The truck smashed through the doors at the headquarters building at which our Marines were sleeping, and instantly exploded. The four story concrete building collapsed in a pile of rubble. More than 200 of the sleeping men were killed in that one hideous and insane attack. Now I know another part of the world is much in our minds a place much closer to our shores, Grenada. Grenada we were told is a friendly island paradise for tourism. Well it wasn t. It was a Soviet, Cuban colony being readied as a major military bastion to export terror and undermine Democracy. We got there just in time.
Mar 29, 1985: Ronald Reagan Remarks at the National Space Club Luncheon. He amusingly quotes author Arthur C. Clarke. Arthur C. Clarke, distinguish author of science and fiction says ideas have often three stages of reaction. First, it s crazy, and don t waste my time. Second, it s possible but it s not worth doing. And finally, I always said it was a good idea.
Mar 23, 1983 Ronald Reagan Address to the Nation on Defense and National Security. Ronald Reagan condones the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), calling the science community to focus their energies upon making this project a reality. What if free people could live secure in the knowledge that their security did not rest upon the treat of instant US retaliation to deter a Soviet attack? That we could intercept and destroy strategic ballistic missiles before they reached our own soil or that of our allies? I know that this is a formidable technical task one that may not be accomplished before the end of this century. Yet current technology has obtained a level of sophistication where it s reasonable to for us to begin this effort. I call upon the scientific community in our country those who gave us nuclear weapons to turn their great talents now to the cause of mankind and world peace, to give us the means of rendering these nuclear weapons impotent and obsolete.
Jan 16, 1984 Ronald Reagan Address to the Nation and Other Countries on United States-Soviet Relations. I believe that 1984 finds the United States in the strongest position in years to establish a constructive and realistic working relationship with the Soviet Union. We must and will engage the Soviets in a dialog as serious and constructive as possible. A dialog that will serve to promote peace in the trouble regions of the world. Reduce the level of arms and build a constructive working relationship. As I said before my dreams is to see the day when nuclear weapons will be banished from the face of the earth. Last month the Soviet Defense Minister stated that his country would do everything to avert the threat of war. These are encouraging words but now is the time to move from words, but now is the time to move from words to deeds.
Jan 20, 1984: Ronald Reagan Remarks to the Reagan Administration Executive Forum. Reagan steps onto stage to the strains of "Hail to the Chief" played by a marching band in stage rear, crowd applauds happily. Reagan says that his administration is truly a new beginning, voted and approved by the people of the United States. Thank you all very much. As I stand here I can t help thinking about back to this date three years ago. It was a winter day like this one, only colder because on that day, we held this meeting outdoors. But as I look back to January 20th, three years ago. I can t help thinking; we have made a new beginning. I m convinced that in 1980, America faced one of those historic choices that come to a nation a few times a century. We could continue our decline perhaps comforting ourselves by calling it inevitable, or we could realize that there s no such thing as inevitable and choose instead to make, a new beginning. The American people chose the way of courage. And on this day of January day 3-years ago this administration and all of you began to make a new beginning.
Jan 25, 1984 Ronald Reagan Address Before a Joint Session of the Congress on the State of the Union. Once again in keeping with time honor tradition I come to report to you on the State Of The Union. And I m pleased to report that America is much improved. And there s good reason to believe that improvement will continue, to the days that come. (Audience applause)
1984 Newsreel of Ron and NANCY REAGAN visiting Japan & China: MS/CUs of them being enthusiastically received by populace; MSs crowd eagerly waving Japanese and American flags; MS man in feudal warrior garb (samurai?) riding horse, firing arrow at target, much to the Reagans' delight; MSs Ron and Nancy walking along the Great Wall of China. A trip to Japan, Korea and later the Peoples Republic of China, makes you realize the old line Go West Young Man Go West still fits. There s a new frontier out there. There is a future and the United States is going to be very much a part, of that future. One cannot meet with those people without realizing that they are tremendously capable people. A talented, energetic people and I found with a great longing for peace, among those people. I think we can have a fine relationship, we do already. But we can keep that and build on that relationship. Whether it s with trade cultural exchange we can mutually be beneficial to each other.
Apr 30, 1984. Remarks at a Signing Ceremony for Four United States-China Agreements. Ronald Reagan speaking at press conference in China. Thank you Premier Zhao. The developing relationship between China and the United States has been one of the principle events of post war diplomacy. Our visit has reinforced our appreciation for Chinese hospitably and for China s ancient and honorable culture. I m delighted that now millions of other Americans will be able to see the artistic and cultural achievements of the Chinese people
May 14, 1984, Ron and Nancy Reagan welcome pop music superstar MICHAEL JACKSON to the White House; they present him with an award; Ron shakes hands with the gloved one.
June 6, 1984, Pointe du Hoc, France, Ronald Reagan Remarks at a United States-France Ceremony Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Normandy Invasion, D-day. Archival footage of Allied soldiers landing and storming on Normandy coast; MSs Reagan standing before memorial honoring the rangers who braved the sheer cliffs behind him; MS of the surviving rangers sitting, listening to Reagan talk. We stand on a lonely wind swept point on the northern shore of France but forty years ago at this moment, the air was dense with smoke, the cries of men, and the air was filled with the crack of rifle fire and the roar of canon. At dawn on the morning of the 6th of June 1944, 225 rangers jumped off the British landing craft at the bottom of these cliffs. Their mission was one of the most difficult and daring of the invasion. To climb these sheer and desolate cliffs and take out the enemy guns. Soon one by one the Rangers pulled themselves over the top and in seizing the firm land at the top of these cliffs they began to seize back the continent of Europe. 225 came here, after two days of fighting only 90 still could bear arms. Behind me is a memorial that symbolizes the Rangers daggers that were trust into the top of the cliffs. Before me are the men who put them there. As the President continues giving his speech to the Rangers, His own VO takes over. President Regan s VO - 62 of the Rangers who scaled the cliffs there at Pointe du Hoc now back 40 years later at the scene of their heroic action. These are the boys of Pointe du Hoc. These are the men who took the cliffs. (President Regan s VO It was a very moving experience. They were what General Marshall called Our Secret Weapon The Best Dam Kids In The World .
June 6, 1984 Remarks at a United States-France Ceremony Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Normandy Invasion, D-day. Ceremony at Omaha Beach. Ronald Reagan speaks at the 40th anniversary of D-Day ceremony, very sentimental, weepy, stirring. Lisa Zanatta Henn began her story by quoting her father that he would return to Normandy. She ended with a promise to her father who died eight years ago with cancer. I m going there Dad. And I ll see the beaches, the barricades and the monuments. I ll see the graves and I ll put flowers there just like you wanted to do. I ll feel all the things you made me feel through your stories and your eyes. I ll never forget what you went through Dad. Nor will I let anyone else forget. Dad I ll always be proud. Through the words of his loving daughter, who is here with us today. A D-Day veteran has shown us the meaning of this day far better, than any President can. It is enough for us to say about Private Zanatta and all the men of honor and courage who fought beside him 4 decades ago. We will always remember. We will always be proud. We will always be prepared so we may be always be free.
Aug 23, 1984 Reagan Remarks Accepting the Presidential Nomination at the Republican National Convention in Dallas, Texas. C/As of the happy delegates decked out in their cheapest camapign wares, holding placards showing their support, some waving American flags. C/A of NANCY and RON REAGAN JR. in bleachers; ends w/ delegates chanting for "four more years." (Applause and cheering) Thank you very much. Mr. Chairman, Mr. Vice President, delegates to this convention and fellow citizens, 75 days I hope we enjoy a victory that is the size of the heart of Texas. (Cheering /Applause) Tonight with a full heart and deep gratitude for your trust, I accept your nomination for Presidency of the United States of America. (The crowd is ecstatic with applause. Banners and American are waved back and fourth.) I will campaign on behalf of the principals of our party which lift America confidently into the future. America is presented with the clearest political choice of half a century. The distinction between our two parties and the different philosophy of our political opponents, are at the heart of this campaign and America s future. Crowd is cheering and saying repeatedly. Four more years. Four more years."
Apr 16, 1985, Ronald Reagan Remarks at a Conference on Religious Liberty. He addresses the controversy re: his visit to the Bitburg war cemetery. Now let me turn to an issue if I could for just a moment that has provoked a storm of controversy. My decision to visit the war cemetery at Bitburg and my decision on the state visit to Germany and not to visit the site of the Concentration Camp at Dachau. It is to cement the 40 years of friendship between the free Germany and the United States. Between the German People and the American People, that Chancellor Kohl and I agreed together, to lay a wreath at the cemetery for the German war dead. That s why I accepted the invitation to Bitburg and that s why I m going, to Bitburg. As for the decision not to go to Dachau, one of the sites of the great moral obscenity of that era, it was taken because of my mistaken impression that such a visit was outside the official agenda. Chancellor Kohl s recent letter to me however has made it plane that my invitation to visit a Concentration Camp was indeed a part of his planed itinerary. So, I have now accepted that invitation and my staff is in Germany exploring a site that will fit in to our schedule there. (Applause)
May 5, 1985, Remarks at a Joint German-American Military Ceremony at Bitburg Air Base in the Federal Republic of Germany. Ronald Reagan speaks about touring World War II sites. I have just come from the cemetery where German war dead lay at rest. No one could visit there without deep and conflicting emotions. I felt great sadness that history could be filled with such waste, destruction and evil. But my heart was also lifted by the knowledge that from the ashes comes hope and that from the terrors from the past we have built 40 years, of peace, freedom and reconciliation among our nations. This visit has stirred many emotions in the American and German people too. I ve received many letters since, from first deciding to come to Bitburg Cemetery. Some supportive, others deeply concerned and questioning, and other opposed. Some old wounds have been reopened. And this I regret very much, because this should be a time of healing. Twenty two years ago President John F. Kennedy went to the Berlin Wall and proclaimed that he too, was a Berliner. Today freedom loving people around the world must say, I am a Berliner, I am a Jew in a world still threaten by anti-Semitism, I am a Afghan, and I am a prisoner of the gulag, I am a refugee in a crowded boat floundering off the cost of Vietnam, I am a Laotian, a Cambodian, a Cuban and a Mosquito Indian in Nicaragua, I too am a potential victim of totalitarianism. The one lesson of WW II, the one lesson of Nazism, is that freedom must always be stronger than totalitarianism and that good must always be stronger than evil.
June 20, 1985: Ronald & Nancy Reagan award the Medal of Freedom to MOTHER TERESA (of Calcutta) in the White House. All of us know of that wonderful individual, Mother Teresa, that living Saint. If you ever met Mother Teresa, you know what I mean. She s probably trust into hand to pamphlet, telling you to love Christ. She wouldn t mind my saying that she s no longer young. If she were here, she d say, look who s talking. (Laughter)
June 30, 1985 Ronald Reagan Remarks Announcing the Release of the Hostages From the Trans World Airlines Hijacking Incident (TWA hijacking). The 39Americans held hostage for 17 days by terrorists in Lebanon are free, safe, and at this moment on their way to Frankfurt, Germany. They ll be home again soon. This is a moment of joy for them, for their loved ones and for our nation. And America opens its heart in a prayer of thanks to Almighty God. We can be thankful that our faith, courage and firmness have paid off. This is no moment for celebration. Let it be clearly understood that the seven Americans still held captive in Lebanon must be released, along with other innocent hostages from other countries. The United States gives terrorists no rewards and no guarantees, we make no concessions, and we make no deals. Nations that harbor terrorist undermine their own stability and endanger their own people. Terrorists be on notice. We will fight back against you in Lebanon and elsewhere. We will fight back against your cowardly attacks on American citizens and property.
Nov 21, 1985 Ronald Reagan Address Before a Joint Session of the Congress Following the Soviet-United States Summit Meeting in Geneva He announces that Mikhail Gorbachev will visit the US and he will visit the USSR. I guess you know that I just come from Geneva, talks with General Secretary Gorbachev. In the past few days, the past two days, we spent over 15 hours in various meetings with the General Secretary and the members of his official party. In approximately 5 of those hours were talks between Mr. Gorbachev and myself, just one on one. That was the best part, our fireside summit. I can t claim that we had a meeting of the minds on such fundamentals as ideology or national purpose. But we understand each other better, and that s a key to peace. I gained a better perspective, I feel he did too. It was a constructive meeting, so constructive in fact that I look forward to welcoming Mr. Gorbachev to the United States next year. (Applause) And I have accepted his invitation to go to Moscow the following year. (Applause) We arranged that out in the parking lot.
