Todd Tiahrt: “we have lost a giant in American politics and world history. Ronald Wilson Reagan was not only a great President, he was…”

“we have lost a giant in American politics and world history. Ronald Wilson Reagan was not only a great President, he was a good man. He will be remembered fondly for his character and with great appreciation for his tremendous triumphs in spreading peace and freedom throughout the world. In addition to tearing down the iron curtain of communism, rebuilding America's military, presiding over the Nation's longest period of growth and prosperity, it was the little things that made him great. He cared about people, including the smallest among us. His heart of kindness reflected that of his Creator's in its compassion toward 'the least of these.' Ronald Reagan comforted us when we grieved. Whether to the families of the 101st Airborne Division or to a Nation in shock after losing the space shuttle Challenger, President Reagan knew what to say and how to say it. He also knew when to be silent and simply offer a reassuring embrace. He was the most powerful man in the world, yet he exuded the warmth and kindness of a gentle grandfather. We respected not just the office he held, but the man who held it. President Reagan earned his respect. He knew what he believed, established his goals upon those beliefs and committed to achieve his dreams. The world is a much improved place because he lived by his deeply held convictions.”