Watson Coleman: “I share that sense of humility that has been so eloquently expressed by my friend from Oklahoma, to be able to stand on…”

“I share that sense of humility that has been so eloquently expressed by my friend from Oklahoma, to be able to stand on this Senate floor and to thank God for Ronald Reagan, for what he gave us and what we learned from him. I must admit to being a bit envious to be in the Chamber with my friend from Oklahoma who knew Ronald Reagan when he was a young man. My friend, the Presiding Officer, on the way to the Chamber--again, we were all fellow mayors--talked about when he was mayor of Cleveland. There were some difficult times, and he talked to the President. He talked about what a good man the President was. What a good man, that he really cared, that he listened, and that he wanted to do things, wanted to make a difference. Sometimes when those around him were not making a difference, he took care of it and got it done. I think my colleagues were part of history being made. I was able to watch history during that time. But I am honored and humbled to be here today. To those of us who grew up in the Midwest and for those like myself who made it our home, Ronald Reagan has a very special significance. Places like Dixon, IL have been dubbed fly-over zones by sophisticated, powerful people who live on the coast. But we know places like that are the heartland, strong, simple, and true. That was Ronald Reagan. What we love about the Midwest is what America and the world came to know and understand and love about Ronald Reagan.”