Political Quotes

“if my dear friend will indulge me my own recollection, when that tragic incident happened in Beirut, Senator Tower was the leader of the Republican side of our committee, and I was sort of one of the junior members. I remember he came into my office and said: We are leaving for Beirut in 2 hours. If you have time to pack a bag, pack it; otherwise, just bring a toothbrush. We went over there and saw the tragedy that had befallen our marines. I will never forget it. When we came back on the plane, we talked a little bit, and President Reagan did receive the benefit of our trip. He was deeply moved by that incident. I cannot recall exactly the days thereafter when we were working with bringing the remains home, but I let it be known to the President that maybe this would be an opportunity to send a strong message of his deep bereavement for the losses and the resolve that he had to challenge those who brought this about and bring to accountability those who perpetrated that crime. We suggested he go down, and sure enough he did go. I was privileged he asked if I would come down with him. It was a day I will never forget. It was a cold and rainy day. Because of the number of caskets, it was on the outside largely. I recall the schedule, as all Presidential schedules are detailed, and I had a little copy in my pocket. He went down to speak to some of the families. It was just magnificent the way this President stood in that cold rain and spoke to them.”