On this day in 1987 Ronald Reagan gave a speech that has been remembered with admiration even today, 22 years later. Ronald W. Reagan had a disdain for communism that was clearly shown on June 12, 1987 when he told General Secretary Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin Wall. President Reagan said:
"Gerneral 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!"
Ronald Reagan believed that free people would prosper and that oppressive government was to be despised.
Toward the end of the speech he said:
"….., I noticed words crudely spray-painted upon the wall, perhaps by a young Berliner: ‘This wall will fall. Beliefs become reality.’ Yes, across Europe, this wall will fall. For it cannot withstand faith; it cannot withstand truth. The wall cannot withstand freedom."
For more of this memorable speech, click here.
Photo credit to: cliff1066