[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 664 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                          June 9, 2004.
Whereas President Ronald Reagan reminded us that our great Nation was founded 
        and built by people with great dreams and the courage to take great 
        risks;
Whereas President Reagan reminded his countrymen of the Nation's calling in 
        world history: ``From our forefathers to our modern day immigrants, 
        we've come from every corner of the earth, from every race and every 
        ethnic background, and we've become a new breed in the world. We're 
        Americans, and we have a rendezvous with destiny.'';
Whereas President Reagan championed freedom and democracy throughout the world, 
        bringing courage to millions of people suffering the bondage of tyranny 
        and oppression;
Whereas on June 12, 1987, President Reagan stood at the Brandenburg Gate, the 
        symbol of communism's brutal oppression, and demanded: ``General 
        Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the 
        Soviet Union and eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization: Come here 
        to this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down 
        this wall!'';
Whereas on November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall was torn down, signifying the end 
        of the Cold War;
Whereas President Reagan, and his wife Nancy, brought dignity and respect to the 
        White House and dedicated their lives to promoting national pride and to 
        bettering the quality of life in the United States and throughout the 
        world;
Whereas on May 16, 2002, Congress bestowed the congressional gold medal in 
        recognition of their service to the Nation;
Whereas Ronald Reagan's eloquence united Americans in times of triumph and 
        tragedy;
Whereas on January 28, 1986, President Reagan comforted a grieving nation as 
        Americans mourned the death of seven American astronauts who ``slipped 
        the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God'';
Whereas President Reagan spent the twilight of his life as he always lived, 
        leading a fight against Alzheimer's disease with faith, courage, and 
        dignity, with the greatest love for the Nation and eternal optimism for 
        its future;
Whereas by opening his heart to the Nation about his affliction with Alzheimer's 
        disease, President Reagan promoted greater awareness of this condition; 
        and
Whereas President Reagan appealed to the best hopes of the American people, not 
        their worst fears, and to their confidence rather than their doubts: 
        Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) expresses its deepest appreciation for the profound public 
        service of President Ronald Reagan;
            (2) expresses its condolences to Nancy Reagan and to Patti, Michael, 
        Ron, and the entire Reagan family;
            (3) calls on the people of the United States to reflect on the 
        record of President Reagan during this national period of remembrance 
        and to remember always his encouraging words: ``We have every right to 
        dream heroic dreams.''; and
            (4) directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to transmit a 
        copy of this resolution to the family of President Reagan.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.