Tributes to Reagan

Great men inspire great writing. There is some outstanding stuff out there concerning our 40th President. George Will is his usual perceptive self.

One measure of a leader's greatness is this: By the time he dies the dangers that summoned him to greatness have been so thoroughly defeated, in no small measure by what he did, it is difficult to recall the magnitude of those dangers or of his achievements. So if you seek Ronald Reagan's monument, look around and consider what you do not see.

The Iron Curtain that scarred a continent is gone, as is the Evil Empire responsible for it. The feeling of foreboding -- the sense of shrunken possibilities -- that afflicted Americans 20 years ago has been banished by a new birth of the American belief in perpetually expanding horizons.

A very nice tribute by Peggy Noonan, former Reagan speech writer.

Also, a nice letter to the editor with a warm and humorous story about Reagan.

Perhaps Ronald Reagan's death from Alzheimer's will spur us on to more significant research into the causes and cure for the devastating disease that took him from his family and the world when he still had so much to give. I am certain that his approach to his ailment, much like he approached other challenges, was and will continue to be a reason for hope for others similarly affected. He learned so much from adversity and used the lessons he learned to help others, time and time again. He also brought so much joy to others, that I don't think he would mind a light reminder of his sense of humor.

It was a cold winter day in Washington, and the president was walking with his Secret Service detail from the residence to the Oval Office, and I was headed in the opposite direction. We spoke at a distance and then he said something to the agents accompanying him. I stopped, not sure of what was taking place, and he came toward me while the agents held their positions. He stopped, looked me straight in the eye, and said, "Choose your weapon." Puzzled, I said, "Mr. President, I'm not sure what you mean." He replied, "Snowballs at 20 paces; I have the one on the left." I said, "I have the one on the right." We made our snowballs and fired them at the agents along the rose garden, hitting our intended targets, and the story around the White House was that it was the first time Secret Service agents had been fired on and had not returned the fire.

The playful event was typical of a man who, for me, was larger than life. He gave so much to this country and to the cause of freedom and democracy -- a contribution that will outlast us all. We are honored to have been in his presence.
Ronald K. Sable, Tucson, Ariz. (The author was special assistant for national security affairs to President Reagan.)