[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 27 (Thursday, February 13, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E209]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING THE 92ND BIRTHDAY OF RONALD REAGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. JOHN KLINE

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 11, 2003

  Mr. KLINE. Mr. Speaker, twenty-two years ago, as a young major of 
Marines, I had the high honor of serving President Reagan as his 
military aide. On inauguration day in 1981, this great man started 
immediately to improve the morale and pride of the armed forces. He had 
real admiration and respect for Americans in uniform, and real concerns 
about the status of our military forces in that troubling decade 
following the war in Vietnam. It seems impossible now, but in those 
years we were not permitted to wear the military uniform, unless by 
exception, in our nation's capital--a sad indicator of the state to 
which pride and confidence had fallen.
  During his first inaugural parade, President Reagan told each of the 
service chiefs that it was time for a change. He told them he wanted to 
see more uniforms on the street. He knew that this change of direction 
and attitude was important not only to those wearing the uniforms, but 
to all Americans. The time of shame and remorse was over. We owe a 
great debt to this great man for many, many reasons. But, perhaps the 
first reason is his remarkable transformation of our armed forces.
  Thank you, Mr. President and Happy Birthday!




                          ____________________