Words to Live By

Celebrating the American Victory at Yorktown, 200th Anniversary

240 years ago, on October 19, 1781, British General Charles Cornwallis surrendered his army of some 8,000 men to General George Washington at Yorktown, giving up any chance of winning the Revolutionary War. Cornwallis had marched his army into the Virginia port town earlier that summer expecting to meet British ships sent from New York. The ships never arrived.

The Death of Anwar Sadat

40 years ago, on October 6, 1981, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat was assassinated. Both President and Mrs. Reagan were deeply disturbed to learn of this tragedy, as only two months before, they warmly welcomed President Sadat and his wife to the White House and honored them with a state dinner. In this podcast, we’ll learn about the tragic assassination attempt, the funeral and in the second half of the podcast, the relationship that developed between the Reagans and the Sadats in August 1981.

Strategic Weapons Program

Many people associate President Reagan’s Evil Empire Speech, delivered in March 1983, as their first memory of his Strategic Weapons Program. But in fact, he began to lay the groundwork for the American people early in his first term as President, in October 1981…yes, exactly 40 years ago.

Law Enforcement

There were many themes that Ronald Reagan stood firmly on, whether as Governor of California or President of the United States.  Subjects like freedom, fighting against communism, and his stance against socialism are just a few.  Another was his belief in Law Enforcement and fighting crime. On January 16, 1967, while Governor of California, Ronald Reagan issued a statement to the Senate and Assembly of the Legislature of California which concluded with: “Without respect for the law, the best laws cannot be effective. Without respect for law enforcement, laws cannot be carried out. We must have respect, not only for the law, but also for the many who dedicate their lives to the protection of society through enforcement of the law.”

Sandra Day O’Connor

On September 25, 1981, Sandra Day O’Connor was sworn in as the first female Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

Constitution Day

Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution by thirty-nine brave men on September 17, 1787, recognizing all who are born in the U.S. or by naturalization, have become citizens. On Constitution Day, Americans are encouraged to observe this important day in our nation's history by celebrating activities, learning, and demonstrations of our Love for the United States of America and the Blessings of Freedom Our Founding Fathers secured for us.

9/11

Today’s “Words to Live By” honors the 20th anniversary of 9-11. We remember today not only to honor the almost 3000 innocent souls who lost their lives that day and the other 6000 people who were injured, but to send an irrefutable message to those who perpetrated this unthinkable crime that we will never forget and our resolve to continue the fight for freedom will only get stronger. This anniversary should be a time to think about the past but also to look to the future. Nothing short of our way of life is at stake. But history demonstrates that the American people and our resolve are second to none. We will prevail. Rather than listen to an entire speech, today’s “Words to Live By” contains quotes from President Reagan’s remarks about terrorism and strength.

Tip O’Neill

How can two fiercely opposed sides of American government possibly thrive by meeting in the middle and achieving long-lasting legislative results for the American people? To find the answer all one has to do is study the relationship between Republican President Ronald Reagan and Democrat Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill. Although the pair faced off in numerous battles on Capitol Hill, they also shared a strong admiration and respect for one another that evolved into a beautiful friendship.

1992 Republican National Convention

In this week’s podcast, we present President Reagan’s remarks at the Republican National Convention in Houston, Texas on August 17, 1992. Let's Listen.

National Tell a Joke Day

Yesterday, August 16, 2021, was national tell a joke day. In honor of this entertaining day, we thought we’d take another look at Ronald Reagan and humor. Ronald Reagan loved a good joke.  He could take them and dish them out with ease. Throughout his political career, Ronald Reagan used humor to take the sharp edge off serious messages, and he also used it to alleviate the hurt of detractors. Ronald Reagan’s age was the subject of many jokes during his presidency, and in a famous moment during the October 28, 1984, presidential debate with former Vice President Walter Mondale, he spun the issue in his own favor, famously deadpanning, “I want you to know that also I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit for political purposes my opponent’s youth and inexperience.” In another instance, he noted, “Thomas Jefferson once said, ‘We should never judge a president by his age, only by his works.’ And ever since he told me that, I stopped worrying.” So sit back and relax, and enjoy some of our favorite jokes and quips and stories during Ronald Reagan’s presidency.