[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 101 (Friday, July 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1275]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IN TRIBUTE TO THE RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL FOUNDATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, July 8, 2011

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to The Ronald Reagan 
Presidential Foundation and, in particular--Frederick Ryan, Jr., 
Chairman of the Foundation Board of Directors, and John Heubusch, 
Foundation Executive Director--and the Ronald Reagan Centennial 
Commission for their leadership in conducting a series of successful 
European events last week honoring our 40th President.
  I and a number of my colleagues traveled to Europe last week to meet 
with our allies, particularly those in Eastern Europe, and to reassure 
them of America's continued friendship and support in light of Russia's 
continued commitment to one-party rule and suppression of human rights.
  While there, we were fortunate to participate in several Foundation 
events honoring Ronald Reagan's role in bringing freedom to Eastern 
Europe. The people of Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and other 
former communist satellite states know well how President Reagan's 
commitment to peace through strength led him to abandon the failed 
policy of detente and to embrace a policy of actively opposing 
communist regimes around the world.
  That opposition led to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Iron 
Curtain and to freedom for millions of people choked by the Soviet's 
stronghold on their nations. In Krakow, we attended a Mass of 
Thanksgiving in honor of Pope John Paul II and President Reagan, the 
two leaders the Polish people credit with inspiring their revolution 
against the Soviet empire. In Budapest, we participated in the 
unveiling of a statue of President Reagan in Freedom Square. In Prague, 
we participated in naming the street in front of the U.S. Ambassador's 
residence for President Reagan.
  Those public displays only underline the true love Eastern Europeans 
have for President Reagan. In meetings with East European officials and 
chance meetings with local people in East European capitals, everyone 
was effusive in their praise of Ronald Reagan. Americans recognize the 
peace and prosperity President Reagan brought to the United States 
during his presidency. For Eastern Europeans, he helped bring them 
their very freedom.
  As the author of the bill that created the Centennial Commission and 
as a member of the Commission, I was duly impressed with the events and 
tributes the Foundation and Commission, under the direction of Mr. Ryan 
and Mr. Heubusch, masterfully undertook both in Europe and the United 
States to honor Ronald Reagan this year.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues on both sides of the aisle join me 
in paying tribute to those who worked so hard to remember and honor a 
great president who changed the course of history both here and around 
the world and to thank them for their service to our nation.

                          ____________________