Ronald Reagan

Today we celebrate the birthday of the greatest American President in my lifetime.

From Bill Bennett's American Patriot's Almanac:

Ronald Wilson Reagan, born February 6, 1911, in Tampico, Illinois, became the nation’s fortieth president at a time when many said that America’s best days were behind us, that the future would be one of fewer opportunities. He spent much of his presidency (1981–89) reminding Americans, again and again, that this country is still a land of boundless potential, a beacon of freedom and hope for the world.

History is a ribbon, always unfurling. History is a journey. And as we continue our journey, we think of those who traveled before us . . . and we see and hear again the echoes of our past: a general falls to his knees in the hard snow of Valley Forge; a lonely president paces the darkened halls and ponders his struggle to preserve the Union; the men of the Alamo call out encouragement to each other; a settler pushes west and sings a song, and the song echoes out forever and fills the unknowing air. It is the American sound. It is hopeful, big-hearted, idealistic, daring, decent, and fair. That’s our heritage, that’s our song. We sing it still. For all our problems, our differences, we are together as of old. We raise our voices to the God who is the author of this most tender music. And may He continue to hold us close as we fill the world with our sound—in unity, affection, and love—one people under God, dedicated to the dream of freedom that He has placed in the human heart, called upon now to pass that dream on to a waiting and hopeful world.

— Ronald Reagan, second inaugural address

Every day, Bill Bennett provides via email--for free--a reading from his American Patriot's Almanac. You’ll read about heroes, their achievements, and key events that took place “On This Day” in American history. Click here to subscribe.