Wayne Allard: “last Monday was a somber anniversary for our Nation--it marked the second anniversary of President Ronald Reagan's…”

“last Monday was a somber anniversary for our Nation--it marked the second anniversary of President Ronald Reagan's passing. I did not come to the floor last Monday, because I knew that today, just a week later, would be another important anniversary in Reagan's life, and one I would rather note. Nineteen years ago, on this day in 1987, President Ronald Reagan stood at the Berlin Wall, at the Brandenburg Gate and issued his-- issued liberty's--famous challenge to Soviet tyranny: General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization: Come here to this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall! I believe the power and significance of this quote has been acknowledged. I believe history recognizes what President Reagan's steadfast determination to resist communist expansion and even the communist status quo meant to that great struggle. Many spoke on this floor 2 years ago on his contributions, and most have acknowledged the significance of those contributions. I am submitting legislation today because President Reagan's contributions to winning the cold war, defending liberty, strengthening America and brightening our future can, in my mind, be adequately summarized by the moment he went to Berlin, stood in the shadow of a communist tyranny, summoned up the force of the American spirit, and called for the removal of the infamous wall.…”