CONGRESSMAN BOYD REMEMBERS PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN

Washington DC - Last night, Wednesday, June 9, 2004, Congressman Allen Boyd (D-North Florida) attended the state funeral for President Ronald Reagan in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. Congressman Boyd made the following statement about President Reagan’s life and legacy:

“While gathering with my colleagues in Congress to attend the first state funeral this country has seen in three decades, the first thing that struck me was the shear grace and class of the First Lady, Nancy Reagan. She shared her husband with us while he was President, and now she shares him with us as she grieves. One common theme throughout each individual’s eulogy was the bond President and Mrs. Reagan shared throughout their marriage. I join all Americans in keeping Mrs. Reagan and their family in my thoughts and prayers during this week of remembrance.

“In every sense of the word, President Reagan was a true American. We all remember with fondness his humor, his optimism and his great love of this country, but most important we remember how he inspired us as a nation. We remember how he made us as a nation, and each of us individually, feel good about ourselves at a time when we needed that type of leadership in this country. He embodied the American dream.

“His efforts to bring peace throughout the world not only made the world a safer place, but positioned the United States to be the last remaining superpower. He lead our nation through a very tumultuous time in history, the Cold War ending, with great leadership and dignity. He helped America gain a tremendous amount of respect from nations all around the world. His example should be, and will be, followed by all Presidents of the United States.

“Although this week we mourn his passing, we will always remember his contributions to the great county and the world.”