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He will be missed not only by those who knew him and not only by the nation that he served so proudly and loved so deeply, but also by millions of men and women who live in freedom today because of the policies he pursued. Ronald Reagan had a higher claim than any other leader to have won the Cold War for liberty and he did it without a shot being fired. ... a truly great American hero.

Ronald Reagan#149

LeadershipFreedomHistoryCold warReagan

About this quote

What does it mean?
Reagan is honored for his service and policies that expanded freedom. He is credited with winning the Cold War peacefully.
In plain terms
Many miss Reagan for his leadership and for winning the Cold War without fighting.
What can you take from it?
Leadership can secure freedom without conflict.

Where it applies

  • funerals
  • historical reviews
  • political tributes

Putting it to work

  • study cold war history
  • analyze foreign policy
  • commemorate leaders

Questions to consider

  • What defines a great leader?
  • Can peace be achieved without force?

Another view

Attributing the cold war end solely to one leader oversimplifies history.

More from Ronald Reagan

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