There are certain things in history each of us will always remember. For example, on January 28, 1986, I remember sitting in Mrs. Earl's 5th grade class when the substitute teacher walked in and told us the space shuttle Challenger exploded in mid-air. Then on August 8, 1988, I remember riding in the tractor as my father was plowing his farm when the radio DJ announced the lights had gone on in Wrigley field for the first time. Then the DJ proceeded to play the Statler Bros "Don't Wait on Me" because of the verse "when the lights go on in Wrigley field." As almost all Americans, I remember where I was September 11, 2001 as I watched in awe what was happening to our great country. February 1, 2003, I remember waking up to a boom, and then going back to sleep not knowing what I had just heard was the space shuttle Columbia breaking up in the air above DFW.
While I remember several events that have happened, I also remember the death of some amazing people that have changed history. One of those great people was President Reagan. One Saturday afternoon, I was at the Las Colinas Polo Club, and prior to the match a group of folks were gathered under a tent watching the Belmont Stakes. Before the Stakes ended, a scroll ran across the bottom of the television screen stating that President Reagan had passed on. I remember suddenly feeling numb. I will always remember June 5, 2004. For the next several days, I would watch coverage of Reagan's life and funeral at every available opportunity. It seems like it was only yesterday Nancy Reagan was kissing the flag draped coffin on national television. May President Reagan continue to rest in peace.
Reagan was truly a conservative, and he left a legacy that will almost be impossible to replicate. This election cycle, candidates all across the nation have used Ronald Reagan's political career as a barometer for conservatism, and they compare themselves to him. While it is great to have so many who want to get back to conservative ways, there will never be another Ronald Wilson Reagan.
While I remember several events that have happened, I also remember the death of some amazing people that have changed history. One of those great people was President Reagan. One Saturday afternoon, I was at the Las Colinas Polo Club, and prior to the match a group of folks were gathered under a tent watching the Belmont Stakes. Before the Stakes ended, a scroll ran across the bottom of the television screen stating that President Reagan had passed on. I remember suddenly feeling numb. I will always remember June 5, 2004. For the next several days, I would watch coverage of Reagan's life and funeral at every available opportunity. It seems like it was only yesterday Nancy Reagan was kissing the flag draped coffin on national television. May President Reagan continue to rest in peace.
Reagan was truly a conservative, and he left a legacy that will almost be impossible to replicate. This election cycle, candidates all across the nation have used Ronald Reagan's political career as a barometer for conservatism, and they compare themselves to him. While it is great to have so many who want to get back to conservative ways, there will never be another Ronald Wilson Reagan.
By 2008-06-05 19:23:55
