Ronald Reagan's Memorial Day Speech | Freedom has a cost

Ronald Reagan and the U.S. Department of Defense Memorial Day Tribute

"In America's cities and towns today, flags will be placed on graves in cemeteries; public officials will speak of the sacrifice and the valor of those whose memory we honor.

I have no illusions about what little I can add now to the silent testimony of those who gave their lives willingly for their country. Words are even more feeble on this Memorial Day, for the sight before us is that of a strong and good nation that stands in silence and remembers those who were loved and who, in return, loved their countrymen enough to die for them.

Yet, we must try to honor them -- not for their sakes alone, but for our own.

And if words cannot repay the debt we owe these men, surely with our actions we must strive to keep faith with them and with the vision that led them to battle and to final sacrifice.

Our first obligation to them and ourselves is plain enough: the United States and the freedom for which it stands, the freedom [for] which they died, must endure and prosper.

Their lives remind us that freedom is not bought cheaply.

It has a cost.

It imposes a burden.

And just as they whom we commemorate were willing to sacrifice, so too must we -- in a less final, less heroic way -- be willing to give of ourselves.

Each died for a cause he considered more important than his own life. Well, they didn't volunteer to die; they volunteered to defend values for which men have always been willing to die if need be, the values which make up what we call civilization.

And how they must have wished, in all the ugliness that war brings, that no other generation of young men to follow would have to undergo that same experience.

As we honor their memory today, let us pledge that their lives, their sacrifices, their valor shall be justified and remembered for as long as God gives life to this nation.

And let us also pledge to do our utmost to carry out what must have been their wish: that no other generation of young men will ever have to share their experiences and repeat their sacrifice.

Earlier today with the music that we have heard, and that of our National Anthem -- I can't claim to know the words of all the national anthems in the world, but I don't know of any other that ends with a question and a challenge as our does: Does that flag still wave o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

That is what we must [all ask too].

Thank you"

[KimChungSaigon]

America needs a President who is "a patriot, brave & smart action " like President Reagan, now more than ever. God bless Americans.

[jujitusuka]

Speaking as a Brit it seems to me he was a President that knew and understood his country.

[rickharper]

Eight years of my 22 year active duty US Army career time was spent with President Reagan in the White House. Not one day, not one minute of those years did I ever think America didn't have a Commander in Chief, competent and worthy of his station. I cried the day Ronald Regan died. RIP Mr. President.

[joshuafrank]

We need another Reagan, now more then ever.

[timothymills]

What’s sad, is we all heard nothing from this White House but “have a nice three day weekend.”

[shawn]

America now will call this speech “too nationalistic and hateful”, as if it’s a crime to be a patriot

[johnnyamerica]

He was an HONORABLE man who was easy to respect. He was committed to America. He is missed.

[jhj]

Make all kids in school, politicians in government and all 20 something year old's listen to his speeches and maybe the will realize how great we have it in this country and stop destroying it

[thegatekeeper]

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in their bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same." Ronald Reagan.

[mikeconklin]

Today, 9/09/2023, our country is in danger of a economic collapse, among other dangers. We need a Ronald Reagan again.

[ricknancy]

“Does that flag still wave”? Respect our Flag and please stand for it.

[joejohnson]

Reagan was the last President I was excited about and voted for with pride, all the others was the lesser of two evils .

[rafterman]

Ronald Reagan is the greatest president ever. God help us and god bless the USA

[daveminer]

Now, in 2021 I go to tears, whenever I hear Ronald Reagan speak. We desperately need a leader like him, in America today. 🇺🇸

[oldreliable]

When I served in the Army, he was my commander in chief, and I'm extremely proud to have served under him. God speed sir. And God bless this great nation!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[scottmiller]

The Greatest President we've had in the last 60 years

[wyukon]

I served the USMC under President Reagan. Thank you Sir. God bless

[Scotpatriot]

Reagan loved our country and could communicate it like no other president

[friendofcoal]

He was a Great man and leader. America needs another President like him today. I salute my Commander In Chief, may you Rest In Peace, Mr. President.

[someguy]

you can really understand a lot about someone, based on how they feel about Reagan... No president has ever been perfect, but he was pretty damn close! God bless this great man