Ronald Reagan actually said...

"It is most fitting that we take time to celebrate the arts of our Nation, to honor our artists, and to express our appreciation to everyone who patronizes the arts."

"The arts enlighten us and please us."

"A typically American consortium—informal and effective—of individuals, corporations, foundations, and taxpayers provides financial support to artists."

"And as we celebrate the arts, we celebrate and give thanks for our freedom, the only atmosphere in which artists can truly create and in which art is truly the expression of the soul."