Statement by Secretary Powell on Death of President Ronald Reagan

I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of former President Ronald Reagan. President Reagan fueled the spirit of America. His smile, his optimism, his total belief in the ultimate triumph of democracy and freedom, and his willingness to act on that belief, helped end the Cold War and usher in a new and brighter phase of history. I was privileged to serve as his National Security Advisor and I was proud to be a soldier during his Presidency as he restored the morale and fighting prowess of our Armed Forces. The world and his fellow Americans will forever be in his debt. He was one of a kind, an American original. At this hour, my wife, Alma, and I as well as all our colleagues at the Department of State join his family and especially his loving wife, Nancy, in their grief. We know, as they do, that our beloved President Reagan is now in a better place.
05.06.04.
Secretary Powell