Three leaders were essential to ending the reign of Soviet communism and to the demise of an expansionist USSR: Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, and Pope John Paul II.
President George W. Bush honored the Pope with the Medal of Freedom on Friday. Well done.
Your Holiness, thank you very much for receiving Laura and me, and our delegation. I bring greetings from our country, where you are respected, admired and greatly loved.I also bring a message from my government that says to you, sir, we will work for human liberty and human dignity, in order to spread peace and compassion; that we appreciate the strong symbol of freedom that you have stood for, and we recognize the power of freedom to change societies and to change the world.
And so, sir, we're honored to be here. Perhaps the best way I can express my country's gratitude to you, and our respect to you, is to present to you the Medal of Freedom from America. And if you might allow, I'd like to read the citation attached to that honor:
"A devoted servant of God, His Holiness Pope John Paul II has championed the cause of the poor, the weak, the hungry, and the outcast. He has defended the unique dignity of every life, and the goodness of all life. Through his faith and moral conviction, he has given courage to others to be not afraid in overcoming injustice and oppression. His principled stand for peace and freedom has inspired millions and helped to topple communism and tyranny. The United States honors this son of Poland who became the Bishop of Rome and a hero of our time."
And so, on behalf of the American people, Your Holiness, I would be honored if you would accept our Medal of Freedom.
Sadly, Matt Drudge is reporting that President Reagan's medical condition has "suddenly worsened." The end of an era may be near.
Posted by Alan at June 5, 2004 12:54 AM