It just seems unfathomable that in that casket, under that flag, is Ronald Reagan. He was a man so full of life, and to me, larger than life. I suppose its so hard to believe that he is now gone because I know that he will be with us all forever. To me, he's always been there. My first memory of politics came during the 1984 Presidential campaign. I was 9 years old. I was too young to truly understand what was going on, but I did know one thing: Ronald Reagan was good and he loved America. I learned patriotism from my father, so I knew that if Ronald Reagan loved America...well, that was enough for me. As it turns out, Ronald Reagan has been an inspiration for me since then to learn more about America and politics. Since I was 9 I've been a conservative Republican. I majored in Political Science. Politics and patriotism have played vital roles in my life, and in that regard, Ronald Reagan has been my hero. But not only that: Reagan truly believed in America and Americans. We are the shining city on the hill. We are the beacon of freedom in the world. America is the land of opportunity. Where else can a man like Reagan, born of humble beginnings, grow up to be, not only the leader of the free world, but the Great Liberator of the enslaved world. Reagan leaves quite a legacy behind: The end of Communism, the revitalization of the US economy, the rebuilding of the military, changing the face of American politics, and a renewal of the American spirit. His story is inspiring to all, and gives me great hope that I can succeed in my endeavors if work for it. That is the opportunity that America provides. That was his message, and it definitely got through to me. Farewell, my hero. You are loved. You will never be forgotten.
