Politics
Former President Ronald Reagan delivered a remarkable Thanksgiving address in 1985, with his words continuing to prove out 34 years later.
The 40 th president delivered short remarks on the valued holiday, urging Americans to thank God for the liberty they enjoy in the United States.
” You understand, the Statue of Liberty and this wonderful holiday called Thanksgiving fit naturally because although as Americans we have lots of things for which to be thankful, none is more vital than our liberty,” he said, painting a plain contrast between the freedoms Americans delighted in and the oppression that remains a reality for a lot of throughout the world:
He continued:
Liberty: that quality of federal government, that brightness of mind and spirit for which the Pilgrim Fathers braved the seas and Americans for two centuries have put down their lives.
Today, while religious beliefs is reduced in possibly one third of the world, we Americans are totally free to praise the Almighty as we select.
While whole countries need to endure the yoke of tyranny, we are complimentary to speak our minds, to enjoy an unconfined and energetic press, and to make federal government abide by the limitations we deem simply. While millions live behind walls, we remain totally free to travel throughout the land to share this precious day with those we enjoy most deeply– the members of our households.
” My fellow Americans, let us keep this Thanksgiving Day spiritual,” he included, advising Americans to thank God for the “bounty and goodness of our country.”
” And as a measure of our gratitude, let us rededicate ourselves to the preservation of this: the land of the free and the home of the brave,” Reagan concluded. “From the Reagan family to your household: Pleased Thanksgiving and God bless you all.”
