As conservatives mark the 50th anniversary of Ronald Reagan’s historic “Time for Choosing” speech, it’s important to remember that one of the most important aspects of his speech wasn’t the message — it was the audience itself.
Included in the crowd on October 27, 1964, were Young Americans for Freedom activists — the young men and women who would eventually help lead the Reagan Revolution. President Reagan truly believed that youth of the country — the next generation — would be the ones to carry on the torch of freedom. And, as he concluded his speech that night, he urged all of us — young and old — to “preserve for our children this, the last best hope for man on earth.”
Many young conservatives look to Ronald Reagan as the champion of the modern conservative movement; they understand how passionately he lived out his conservatism. He was a man humbled by public office and by the trust of the American people — an admirable quality. Reagan particularly believed that young people would be the impetus behind change and he was even the honorary national chairman of Young Americans for Freedom.
Reagan joined many of the Young Americans for Freedom conferences and even hosted them at the White House during his presidency. He truly understood the values of preserving freedom and inspiring the next generation.
I have the pleasure of working for Young America’s Foundation, which is the proud owner of the Reagan Ranch — or as we like to call it, the “Western White House.” Today, Reagan’s beloved ranch home is preserved and protected and sees many young visitors through the Foundation’s various conferences. This historic piece of presidential property is used to pass on to our nation’s youth the lasting accomplishments of this great leader. A visit to the Reagan Ranch dramatically deepens a young person’s understanding of our 40th president.
Having been to the Ranch many times, each time I am humbled. Not many people can say that they have walked in the footsteps of President Reagan. Walking through his modest home, one really understands how he lived out his values. The Ranch was where he found his inner peace and symbolized freedom. The rolling hills, riding trails and serene lake provided a solace for the President; he said, “No place before or since has ever given Nancy and me the joy and serenity it does.”
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ronald Reagan’s “Time for Choosing” speech, we must recognize what it truly is: a call to action for our nation’s young people to preserve and advance freedom. It is just as relevant today as it was a half century ago.
Ashley Pratte is the spokeswoman for Young America’s Foundation. Thinking of submitting an op-ed to the Washington Examiner? Be sure to read our guidelines on submissions for editorials, available at this link.
