Wednesday, June 8, 2004

A letter to Nancy Reagan

I would like to write a letter to Nancy Reagan, to let her know what she and her husband have meant to me and, I believe, to the nation. But I know the letter would get lost in the tons of similar letters, from people more important than I, which will no doubt be flooding in to her.

But if I were to write her a letter, here’s what I’d say.

Dear Mrs. Reagan:

Thank you for sharing your husband with the rest of us for the past several decades as he sought to serve the public. Thanks especially for the eight years you spent as the First Lady, again allowing all Americans to benefit from the many virtues of you and your husband. It’s easy to see why you married him, and we all share your burden and grieve his passing.

Of course, I can only speak for myself, but I think President Reagan was the greatest U.S. President of the 20th Century, ranking alongside President Kennedy, for many of the same reasons. They both knew the value of direct, no-nonsense communication. They were both honest. I believe they both had the best interests of the nation at the forefront in every decision they made. And they both had strong First Ladies who perfectly complemented them and provided significant contributions to the nation.

Thank both you and the President for bringing wholesome family values to the White House. Your marriage and obvious love and devotion for one another is and always will be an example to emulate.

I served in the Marine Corps under your husband, who I am proud to say was my Commander in Chief. He restored honor to the uniforms of all military services. He backed up his rhetoric with funding and brought the military back up to a respectable level. He made us proud to be called U.S. service members.

His philosophy of peace through strength is one I still believe in, and I think many, many other Americans do as well.

In fact, he gave all U.S. citizens the opportunity to be proud to be Americans again, after some tough years when America’s armor was scratched and dented.

We could use his optimism, positive attitude and humor again right now as America again faces the hard choices that need to be made in wartime. Doing the right thing is not always the most popular course of action, but as your husband taught us, if you believe in it, do it, and the critics be damned.

Mrs. Reagan, I’m sure you’ll hear many very important people say many wonderful things about your husband in the upcoming weeks. But I think the highest tribute he can receive will come from everyday American people. I certainly don’t claim to represent them all, but I think it’s safe to say many Americans share my feelings.

You have shown great courage, devotion and honor in dealing with the President’s illness. You have also given hope, I think, that even life’s greatest challenges can be overcome with love, patience and faith.

Thank you, First Lady, and Semper Fidelis.

With greatest admiration,

Randy L. Gaddo

Chief Warrant Officer-4

U.S. Marine Corps (Retired)

[Gaddo is director of leisure services for Peachtree City, Ga.]

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