Sunday, December 23, 2012

(Video) December 23, 1981: Reagan's Christmas address covers Polish crisis

On this day thirty one years ago, Ronald Reagan gave is first Christmas address. The Gipper didn't overlook current events.

"Some celebrate Christmas as the birthday of a great and good philosopher and teacher, Reagan said. "Others of us believe in the divinity of the child born in Bethlehem, that he was and is the promised Prince of Peace. Yes, we've questioned why he who could perform miracles chose to come among us as a helpless babe, but maybe that was his first miracle, his first great lesson that we should learn to care for one another."

But Reagan also spoke of current events in his speech. Ten days earlier, martial law has been declared in Poland. "As I speak to you tonight, the fate of a proud and ancient nation hangs in the balance, Reagan asserted. "For a thousand years, Christmas has been celebrated in Poland, a land of deep religious faith, but this Christmas brings little joy to the courageous Polish people. They have been betrayed by their own government."


Eight years later Poland was free. Reagan's policies and the resolve of the Polish people defeated tyranny.

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