Sam Gibbons: “Today, our 40th President, Ronald Reagan, is celebrating his 91st birthday. I want to wish this Great American a…”

“Today, our 40th President, Ronald Reagan, is celebrating his 91st birthday. I want to wish this Great American a peaceful birthday and to thank him for his leadership which has endured well beyond his years in the White House. Ronald Reagan rekindled our nation's patriotism and pride. Today, as we continue to wage a war against terrorism--a war against those individuals who jeopardize our freedoms and liberties--the confidence Ronald Reagan had in the American spirit provides every one of us with the strength and will to see this war to its rightful end--to victory. In the 106th Congress, I was proud to introduce legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Ronald Reagan and his wife, Nancy. This legislation was signed into law and the award will stand as a fitting tribute to the commitment and dedication the Reagans have had to this nation. As President, Ronald Reagan was dedicated to encouraging economic growth, recognizing the value of hard work, and sparking hope and pride among Americans.”