True American Pride - Real Things to Celebrate About This Nation (#7)

 

Adding a couple more of my Pride entries here. My attention turned to modern American history in these two.

#12: JUNE 12:  REAGAN TO GORBACHEV: "TEAR DOWN THIS WALL!"

"Behind me stands a wall that encircles the free sectors of this city, part of a vast system of barriers that divides the entire continent of Europe. . . . As long as this gate is closed, as long as this scar of a wall is permitted to stand, it is not the German question alone that remains open, but the question of freedom for all mankind. . . .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!" (Ronald Reagan, Brandenburg Gate, Berlin GER June 12 1987)

Today on the 12th day of my personal True American Pride celebration I remember one of the greatest speeches and acts of any modern American President, delivered 36 years ago today. Ronald Reagan's firm stand against the Soviet Union helped ended the modern Cold War in 1989.

The strength and resolve of this country, as expressed in the stance of its genuine leaders has changed the world for the good for much of our 200+ year history. Our present leadership leaves much lacking and the world is less safe because of that. May we all pray for firm, honest, and strong leadership to return once more. We the people deserve better than what we currently have. So does the world.

Deborah and I saw this at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley CA

#13: JUNE 13: THE U.S. LANDS THE 1ST MAN ON THE MOON

"That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." (Neil Armstrong, US astronaut July 20 1969)

On my 13th day of things American to Be Truly Proud of I remember this historic summer event 64 years ago. I remember sitting with my siblings and cousins on the floor of our aunt's house in Eugene on a visit and watching the black and white images flicker showing men on the moon 1000's of miles away. An incredible feat of engineering, ingenuity, and courage. I'll never forget the feeling of watching history unfold before my very eyes. America was the 1st nation to do this, and to this day the only nation to have a man walk on the surface of the moon.

The American space program (NASA) was the epitome of how inventive and resourceful this country could be. This country has a long history of being a leader and much to be proud of. Again, may we return to these kind of nobler endeavors. As John F. Kennedy said in first proposing this mission in 1962:

"We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard; because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one we intend to win, and the others, too."