- Ronald Reagan, at the 1964 Republican national convention
Ronald Reagan was the greatest American president of the twentieth century. His is a legacy of the defense and expansion of freedom, both at home and abroad. He strove to cut the size of government and get Washington out of the people's way to let their creativity and ingenuity drive the nation to its full potential. He was the singular figure in the triumph over communism, casting aside containment and détente in favor of a more stirring concept: victory. Reagan provided an unbridled optimism when the nation needed it most.
Tomorrow is a national day of mourning, and our command is concluding business very early in accordance with that. I will definitely be in front of a television to see the celebration of one of the great figures of our time, and to wish him the best on whatever journey now awaits him...