This week in Washington, D.C., the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy will meet on the football field for the 112th time in the tradition of this great Army vs. Navy sporting rivalry. It will also be an occasion to commemorate the Centennial of Ronald Reagan – an American president whose optimism led him to always believe that America’s best days were yet ahead – and someone who always enjoyed a good game of football!
Reagan would have turned 100 years old in 2011. His life story was uniquely American – he was a sports broadcaster, an entertainer, Captain in the Army Air Force, a union president, a governor and president of the United States.
His legacy is far-reaching and his bold and tireless voice challenging Communism was a beacon of hope for oppressed peoples everywhere. His leadership not only inspired freedom but changed the world.
From the seat of power in Washington, D.C. to the heartlands of the Midwest from where he came, the connection Reagan made with people from all backgrounds and all walks of life was significant. Yet none felt his support and advocacy more than America’s Armed Forces.
As commander in chief, Ronald Reagan not only re-established pride within the military itself, but restored America’s faith in their military power and in turn renewed patriotism, love of country and deep respect for the men and women in uniform.
In a 1984 speech he remarked, “I never see these young men and women in our Armed Forces in uniform without having a swell of pride that puts a lump in my throat.” Reagan’s confidence gave America confidence – and caused tyrannical regimes around the world to sit up and take notice.
Tomorrow is not just a football game but the convening of a long and significant history, steeped in tradition, between our two institutions, which may compete on the playing field, but proudly stand side by side on the battlefield in defense of freedom wherever it is challenged.
As representatives of the Reagan Centennial National Youth Leadership Committee, a cadet and a midshipman at West Point and Annapolis, we are proud to wear the uniform of our country and lend our voices to those who will be present for this great American tradition, paying tribute to a great American, President Ronald Reagan.
Though we never knew Reagan as a living president, we are proud to represent the next generation in perpetuating the impact of his life, his legacy and his leadership on the occasion of his Centennial.
Ronald Reagan often said that “freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. It has to be fought for and defended by each generation.” We are proud to be torch-bearers for that great challenge and, like Ronald Reagan, will not let liberty’s lamp of freedom be extinguished.
The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not reflect the positions of the United States Military Academy, the Department of the Army, the United States Naval Academy, the Department of the Navy or the Department of Defense.
