William Tauzin: “I share your grief at the passing of former President Ronald Reagan and join you in remembering his remarkable service…”

“I share your grief at the passing of former President Ronald Reagan and join you in remembering his remarkable service to our country. I was fortunate to have served as a Member of Congress during President Reagan's eight year tenure. At the time, I was a member of the democratic Boll Weevils, a group frequently called upon to help President Reagan with his legislative agenda. I can attest to what some of you know and what others have read or heard about him--he was among the greatest of our nation's presidents. He was permanently grounded in principle, so much that no one who worked for him had any doubt about what was expected of him. President Reagan is rooted in the essence of our nation's character. He appealed to our better instincts and was unyielding in his devotion to our country. I was always amazed at the way he appealed to young people. I think it was because they could see the truth in him. Like a grandfather who had seen it all and abandoned the notion of judging us, he preferred to see the goodness in us all. We, in turn, could imagine that goodness leading us to that shining 'city on the hill.' Those who came later missed the opportunity to encounter true greatness. Those who experienced him will never forget it. Thank you for your compassionate support in honoring the legacy of our former President Ronald Reagan.”