Former President Ronald Reagan gives a Veterans day speech on November 11th 1985. Imagery includes photos taken from the Invasion of Normandy, the Vietnam War, as well as photos of modern day Sailors and U.S. Vessels conducting a variety of exercises in support of multiple missions documented by Navy Public Affairs Support Element East Sailors. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Isaac Champlain)
Transcript
(gentle music)
[Man] The President of the United States. (audience applauds)
[President Ronald Reagan] We celebrate Veterans Day on the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I, the armistice that began on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. All we can ever do for our heroes is remember them and remember what they did. We see these soldiers in our mind as old and wise. We see them as something like the founding fathers, grave and gray-haired. But most of them were boys when they died and they gave up two lives, the one they were living and the one they would have lived. They gave up everything for our country, for us, and all we can do is remember. Perhaps we can start by remembering this. That all of those who died for us and our country were in one way or another victims of a peace process that failed, victims of a decision to forget certain things. To forget, for instance, that the surest way to keep a peace going is to stay strong. Weakness, after all, is a temptation. It tempts the pugnacious to assert themselves. But strength is a declaration that cannot be misunderstood. Peace is only maintained and won by those who have clear eyes and brave minds. Each new day carries within it the potential for breakthroughs, for progress. Each new day bursts with possibilities, and so hope is realistic and despair a pointless little sin. All we can do is try to see that other young men never have to join them. Thank you, God bless you all, and God bless America. (audience applauds)