President Ronald Reagan - Address on the Challenger Disaster

View the full speech here: millercenter.or...
An address to the nation from the Oval Office on an evening scheduled for the State of the Union address. The space shuttle Challenger was supposed to be the first mission to put a civilian into space. He reminds his audience of the bravery and dedication of those who were killed on the shuttle.
January 28th, 1986

[@Big_Serg_]

"the future doesn't belong to the faint hearted it belongs to the brave" i like that

[@SuperGaleford]

serg m I’m gonna steal it...or at least paraphrase

[@DisappearingBoy2010]

One of the greatest speeches in American history....because you can tell he really feels it. RIP Challenger 7....28 years ago today.

[@sinine]

I think it's okay for a grown-ass man to cry seeing and hearing this, right? Right?

[@stevenking2980]

It better be.

[@bayushizero]

+sinine I was a grade schooler when the Challenger exploded. We were watching it on television and I assure you that I cried. I didn't cry this time, though I did get misty-eyed. As a kid, the space program was everything to me.

[@andypeacock7230]

Search "We lost the Sea, Departure Songs"

[@countryrebel7419]

sinine 100% right

[@drumzRfun1]

+1

[@Narpin]

They didn't call him 'the Great Communicator' for nothing. So eloquent. Today is the 30th anniversary of the Challenger disaster. God bless the Challenger crew.

[@dannelson8556]

+Narpin Great communicator ? Please, more like a hollywood actor reading a speech from a teleprompter that was written by professional speech writers. He deserves an oscar for that insincere speech. The cold hard fact is Reagan and his star wars program is directly responsible for the the challenger disaster. It was pressure from his administration that forced NASA into ignore safety concerns. Why ? So reagan could use the launch as fodder in his state of the union address which was already written and scheduled for the next day. “It's easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled.” ― Mark Twain.

[@TheLostHistoryChannelTKTC]

+Narpin The last great President .

[@animusauthor]

+Dan Nelson I am not disputing your claims, but can you refer me to your sources? I still shake my head wondering why mission command went ahead w/ that launch.

[@thornie123]

Narpin I wasn't even alive during the Challenger but just listening to him and watch him started to bring a tear to my eye as if I had emotional feelings about the event lol.

[@glennroxwyo5690]

Worst line of horse shit I ever read

[@vccstudents]

This was one of his greatest speeches, reassured a nation in pain that day.

[@bayushizero]

+vccstudents "one of his greatest speeches" pretty much encapsulates every one of his speeches. I was alive and 'cognizant' as a child during Reagan's two terms and remember him well. Not once can I recall him giving a less than excellent speech. Not only was he speaking eloquently, he put so much emotion into his speeches. You can tell that he meant every word that he ever said.

[@vccstudents]

bayushizero And he DIDN'T need a TELEPROMPTER like some other President who has served after him. :)

[@George040270]

They didn't exist yet.

[@nyhammer1]

You can see his eyes using a teleprompter during this speech Doesnt make him less a fantastic communicator though

[@ahhoohphhtehh2]

Well, he WAS an actor.

[@captainassman911]

"the future doesn't belong to the faint hearted, it belongs to the brave."

[@FIGGIE19118]

Slipped the surly bonds of earth and touch the face of God.

[@Photonface]

Edgar Figueroa en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Gillespie_Magee,_Jr. A great quote from the poem High Flight

[@k1dicarus]

I'm not even religious but that line hits hard every time.

[@angrypredator2704]

That last line in his speech.. poetic, tragic, yet beautiful. I got goosebumps!

[@eggheadnurse]

The final line is a memorable one and is actually taken from the opening and closing lines of 'High Flight' a poem by John Gillespie McGee and aviator and poet who died in a mid-air collision during WWII aged 19. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Gillespie_Magee,_Jr.

[@chenjerayi]

Apex Predator That last line! Goosebumps, tears and total respect for the departed and him.

[@fondlmbolz3312]

just watched a documentary about Challenger, this speech is awesome, respect to president Reagan 👍

[@johnnydobbs1399]

I was a yong boy when regan was our president i remember when he came on tv we would pause and listen he would captivate us no matter the subject he had that great leadership quality about him. and he had the ability to get us to unite together and compromise when needed be i felt so proud of being an American i felt no matter what on his watch we would be safe and really could do anything we dreamed we are missing this now the world needs another regan.

[@breAnnasmama]

No offense, I agree with what you’re saying but it would really be nice if you’d use proper punctuation , specifically commas , to avoid so many Run-on sentences ! It makes it rather difficult for anyone reading when everything is just running together, never having any stopping point and only having any actual punctuation at the end of several run- on sentences ! Also , it’s REAGAN, not “ regan”, as you’ve put it ... again , no offense ! I am not saying this to be condescending or belittling or rude in any way ... it’s just much more difficult or frustrating when having to try to read someone’s thoughts and feelings expressed , when everything is run together like that! I definitely agree or relate and understand what you were say uhh about this president and the massive impact he’d made on a nation and the entire world, really! He had an eloquent way about him and Always commanded such a huge presence , with such qualities and strengths that very much, played to any broad audience in the world , having a mesmerizing Element about him and his demeanor and candor .. he was a very well educated man , though not the typical politician, having his background and experience being in Hollywood ,etc and he could still keep the pace required of the president, not only to be capable of holding his own in the face of tragedy or Crisis etc, but he made his own way essentially , commanding any room he walked into and had a level of kindness and genuineness , but with a no nonsense approach and demeanor, which proved very impactful in the way this Man was able to captivate a nation and allowed him truly , to have such an empowering appeal that was genuinely felt and the spark and charisma he embodied Was incredibly special , indeed. He could come off as the kindest and gentlest and heartfelt or be extremely intimidating and powerful on the other side of the spectrum ... I grew up having witnessed his entire time in office , as well and of course , won’t forget that day , either. I may not remember every subsequent detail to follow , in the months afterward , during the inquiry of such tragic and heartbreaking events and aftermath, yet I’ll never forget the energy felt , leading up to those final moments and I’ll never forget setting in real time, the actual devastation and loss, while excitedly gathering to watch the launch that morning. I remember having an odd jittery nervous feeling , yet Also being caught up in the media coverage, Having such an exciting moment in anticipation of the take off and going 35 years in time since the tragedy , while I’ve recently watched old footage of that day, before actually re watching, I’d remembered fully , that image of the ship taking off. Seeing the obvious flames , upon and prior to liftoff and its as if it’s freshly occurred and it’s like that image and the energy of that day was etched into my mind. President Reagan definitely was a man that just had a way about him. He could honestly just Captivate the masses , but in such a way that has an energy of its own and not many people have that quality in such a way, that just stands apart from the rest. Sure, like every president before and after him, he had a speech writer in Charge of constructing all public events, but he had a Way of delivering such a powerful message , where it was truly a quality that very few possess ... It Was a very unique time to grow up during his administration and so much of what we saw in him was able to in many Ways, shaped many of the events there were happening in the nation and world at the time. He was passionate and charismatic and tough and brave and the country needed that in its president/ leader.

[@ltcurry]

Brilliant. He was honorable. Not a todays politician.

[@Billyboy939]

I was never a big fan of Reagan, I certainly didn't like his politics, but he simply shined here. His greatest moment, in my opinion. Every President, no matter which party, could learn something from this speech.

[@MaheshWalatara]

God this made me cry.

[@Nothankeu]

+Mahesh Walatara Me too!

[@xMaviHD]

One of the greatest speeches and president's this country has every seen.

[@clqudy4750]

Here at 35 years later. Was in 7th grade, age 12 when saw this live. Watched Reagan's speech later that afternoon. Still a somber and moving day all these years later.

[@elizabethhull]

I remembered this speech from when it was first delivered, and today was the first time I have revisited it. Its power, delivery and sentiment was all absolutely right and I think was the best speech he ever made.

[@aaroncoal28]

This speech still gives me goosebumps. I was in 2nd grade when it happened. We watched the president speak as a family that night and I remember how his words comforted me. I felt like he was talking to me. I miss him so badly.

[@kirbsmeister2]

There's no speech quite as moving as one that mourns a tragedy. When he addresses school-children it almost brings a tear to my eye.

[@Coillscath]

I wasn't even alive for the Challenger disaster, but this still brought tears to my eyes. What a way to honour them.

[@stevenmarsh443]

Never seen this speech till now but by God that man never fails in exuding the greatness that demanded the admiration my family and I still have to this day for he and Margeret Thatcher.

[@Thorang]

This is beautiful. I first heard it in Language Arts, but I can't keep myself from listening to it over and over again.

[@777strongcoffee]

We need a president like Reagan again.

[@haroldsgirl5043]

+777strongcoffee AMEN, 777! I fear that the likes of President Reagan will never bless us again.

[@wheals013]

+777strongcoffee AMEN we really do!!

[@jakeherington7237]

#Cruz2016

[@lukaszamecnik9186]

+Jake Herington I as a liberal, respect president Reagan and agree with some of his statements... That I cannot say about Cruz or Trump, but I have a lot of respect for president Reagan

[@whackyjinak4978]

+lukas zamecnik he was a republican...

[@daneeidson4024]

I voted for reagan twice and I am a progressiv Democrat reagan had class and he was a great president and I miss him

[@drakemcfee9138]

Even after 32 years, the last 2 sentences give me chills. And they touched the face of god....

[@YoDawgoneeleven]

Surprised he didn't win an Oscar for this performance.

[@veryluckyluke85]

O yes.

[@MrGjf22]

I think it's the best speech in the history of our country...I can't even make it through it without tearing up. I could give a fuck-less about his politics in this moment, because he made everyone feel like he was your Dad, trying to explain something you didn't understand. I always come back to this as an example of how politicians are actually able to impact people's lives.

[@Tallerthanmyhair]

I still shed a tear every time I watch this video. And I watch it to keep myself humble. A lesson for many.

[@Thearmorcav]

I watched this live as a young man, it changed me and I hold it in my heart to this day

[@williamhyde7310]

Respect. No one else could have delivered it like that.

[@TomSnakeRiver]

I came here to remember what a "good" President was like.

[@atkman2000]

agree

[@maineindividual5202]

To this day i idolize this man

[@excelerater]

This is a real leader

[@CheekyPseudonym]

God,I miss him!

[@chadandrew5386]

The crew of the Space Shuttle Challenger honored us in the matter they lived their lives. We will never forget them or the last time we saw them this morning as they prepared for their journey and waved goodbye. And slipped the surrely bonds of Earth to touch the face of God... Wow!! What a beautiful ending to that amazing speech!!

[@MikeDaWulfe]

An amazing speech, I think this is something we're missing and have been missing for a long time. Someone to completely inspire and address a nation. I think mostly more so for modern men/boys. We all need someone Strong and Sagely, which is something that feels like it's faded from our generation.

[@Tomfoolery1972]

Now it's all about BLAMING THE PARTY THAT'S NOT IN POWER

[@medes24]

I have listened to this speech many times and while I am not a religious man, the ending always gives me chills. We have lost much by saying that decency and grace no longer matter. While I agreed with few of Ronald Reagan’s policies, he knew in the moment how to console and provide hope. These are certainly attributes I would like to see in the modern presidency

[@pmvaldez1]

I remember that day vividly. Miss Henson, my third grade teacher came into the classroom in tears to tell us that the Challenger had exploded.

[@jogman262]

I was 26 and at work when I saw a big burly truck driver crying on the loading dock. I asked him what was wrong, and he just eeked out, "The shuttle" and started crying again.

[@breAnnasmama]

Hahhahaha I can’t even stop laughing at your profile / screen name ... Harry buttwhisker ? That just killed me !! I’m over here saddened by this tragedy that I remember very well , as I watched it happening and reading through the comments, minding everybody else’s business, like we do on “ social “ media and from out of nowhere comes the name Harry buttwhisker. I CAN’T EVEN... hahaha Omg. Hahahahaha

[@roo7227]

Rest in peace, our beloved heroes..

[@wajabi]

A man that became the Father of a Nation instead of its President, a man that consoled his people in the face of Disaster and great sense of loss. May God rest his soul.

[@homersmith43]

,i remember this speech a 14 year old sat at home in England,it has never left me the greatest speech by any president,king or queen in my life time.i wanted to

[@ruadhrose]

I was in the 4th grade when the accident happened. Thankfully we didn't see it, b/c our teacher was going to tape it and show it to us later, but she told us what happened when we came back from recess. I watched it and President Reagan's speech that night after school. I have never forgotten it or forgotten how comforting Reagan was both with his demeanor and his words. This tragedy stayed so strongly in my mind that I feel it helped make me who I am & proves how things shape your future.

[@kk4usa]

Keep after it Alex. I used to record my self for Communications (Journalism) class and sleep with headphones replaying it while I slept. I was surprised it helped a lot.

[@dr.pongthepphinainitisatra6719]

Transcript: -

[@dr.pongthepphinainitisatra6719]

Source: en.wikisource.org - Ronald Reagan announces the Challenger Disaster (May 20, 2011)

[@jogman262]

A speech for the ages.

[@abakarr]

Thank you. I was working as a cabinet maker 25 years ago today. President Reagan's words were a comfort then as they are hearing his speech again today. RIP Challenger 7.

[@thornie123]

Just goes to show politicians don't make a great president. An actor will go down in history as one of the greatest that we have ever had. Definitely the greatest in modern history.

[@acbg1234]

Andrew Griffith he was a governor before being president

[@thornie123]

Yes I know that of California but for most of his life he was an actor, he was only governor for 8 years

[@acbg1234]

Andrew Griffith he is a politician a governor is a politician and a president is a politician

[@thornie123]

Not to me a politician is someone who has been a lawyer as a career then went into politics and have been in it their whole life

[@thornie123]

I'm worried though. I was thinking he better pace himself. He's got 4 years and people might get burnt out after he's done so much in 7 days he is gonna have to continuously top himself or people will get bored

[@Bucky07]

28 years ago today. And it still resonates today.

[@89Awww]

Reagan was such an eloquent speaker. Even those who disagreed with him should acknowledge his ability to speak and reassure an entire nation. He didn't bring up identity politics or attack any cause for the disaster. Instead of talking divisively like so many of today's politicians, Reagan gracefully gave a respectful tribute to those who perished and their grieving families. Reagan was a man of integrity, whose stalwart conviction resonates to this day.

[@FieryRedmond]

I may not have agreed with President Reagan on everything, but this speech makes him one of my favorites. He truly cared.

[@gvrtwpkwy]

I kept telling my oldest how wonderful the space program was, and the best thing was to be an astronaut, and he came home after watching the Challenger disaster live at school. He was quiet, and I tried to draw him out. He looked at me with tearful eyes, and said, "Why do you want me to be an astronaut" He was 8. He's 30 now.

[@ehiaidaghese3008]

January 28, 2006, I was in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, when the Challenger went down, after exploding in mid-air. And like most Americans at the time, there were teardrops in my eyes when President Ronald Reagan came on air to address the nation. I wept, not because I was an American citizen at the time, I wept because Mr. Reagan, by his speech, made me an American and a brother to the dead and the bereaved. That was the spirit of America, reaching out loud and clear to the entire human race. Now (August 2019), it is a different story. America the beautiful has become America the deviant. So, it is not surprising that Presidents and Heads of States and Governments of some developed and developing countries who value life, liberty, and tolerance are issuing travelers advisory/warning to their citizens world-wide to avoid traveling to America if they can help it. And that's sad. In spite of everything, it is still the only God's Own Country - undeniably, greater than any individual. Better days are ahead and we will overcome this moment. And as President Reagan would say, the futures belongs to the braves.

[@pjross9803]

Remember when a real man occupied the white house

[@AGH331]

Like, just now?

[@expectingbrainchild1707]

yeah remember when Reagan's shitty policies pulled the US out of the worst recession since the great depression and into the biggest boom in history.

[@stacyandchrissmall2068]

I agree. Trump has been an embarrassment and made a mockery out of the presidency.

[@burtmaclinfbi3993]

This HAS to be President Reagan's greatest speech.

[@phoenixbornagain]

case for Reagan's greatness is: 1) He ended the crisis of stagflation and malaise, restoring our country to prosperity and self-confidence. 2) He cut taxes and reduced the size of government. 3) He rebuilt America's military strength and won the Cold War. 4) He lent dignity to the office, unlike a more recent ex-president one could name. he gave all our lives dignity by not only caring for us, but by allowing us to know how to care about and for each other as Americans united in goals

[@sadsappysucker_]

My favorite line is "We cannot bear, as you do. Final Impact of this tragedy".

[@Putaspellonyou]

Ooohhh...so THIS is how a president speaks at a time of tragedy. I'd forgotten.

[@Norlimon]

This speech gives me goosebumps! Such a great orator

[@minnesotajohn29]

As a Democrat, I've never been a huge fan of Reagan, but this is one of those truly great speeches that have gone on to define the American spirit. There are few moments that someone has so fully captured the mood of the nation.

[@Mafoozle]

At least 10 of these views are mine, I've lost count. An incredible speech. My body shakes with emotion every time I hear that last line "...and slipped the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God." Reagan himself had that "special grace" that he mentions. Rest in peace Ronald Wilson Reagan. You were, and still are, a national treasure.

[@cindyseifen9914]

It's sad that I come here as a Liberal to listen to who was my President at the time to be consoled, Even if we didn't agree with him, we had respect for him. The same can not be said for todays Americans and they want to call themselves Patriots. #RIPTheChallenger RIP In Peace Patriots.. I love and respect My current President too President Obama.My own Dad, WWII, He hated Nixon, but we also respected him too but we were real Americans with Pride. My Dad would Love Obama, he would just love the whole civil rights to this awesome President.

[@bayushizero]

+Cindy Seifen I respect the office. I don't respect the walking dildo occupying it at the current time. Deal with it and STFU, Princess.

[@PaulineTriage]

+bayushizero Hahaha, I love it when assholes talk all tough. "Deal with it". "Deal with" what - your idiot posturing? Nobody gives a fuck what you think, least of all Obama.

[@deanthorton]

Watching this made me realize how starved we are as a nation for a true leader.

[@stevenking2980]

We are in more need now of a man like this since Jefferson.

[@latinolawdog5067]

"Slipped the surly bonds of Earth and touched the face of God." If that doesn't make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. I don't know what will. Such a powerful ending to a powerful message.

[@modzlover123]

Wow, I was not even born when this took place. But watching this speech by Ronald Reagan is really amazing. RIP to everyone who died that day.

[@Superdeath25]

I feel the same way!

[@JNKArts88]

I'm not american, but I'm always finding Reagan speeches very powerful and spirit lifting. What a great man.

[@flameballification]

I love this speech for so many reasons. He really captured both the great loss our nation suffered and at the same time re-instituted that we are still pioneers working to better out future and sure sometimes tragedies like this happen but it is the courage it takes to make said discovery and the bravery it took for the 7 to serve us and try to pioneer us into an uncertain future.

[@varsitycamplife]

You're probably right. His communication throughout his 8 years was some of the most compelling, unifiying and inspiring in history. His speech writers were incredible, and he could take their words and translate them masterfully to the American people. He was both the style and the substance, unlike so many other presidents we've had.

[@jjn1056]

I know youtube needs to make money but maybe we could not have ads on certain videos? Honestly its a turn off to watch some silly ad right before this historic speech...

[@AblePumper]

25 years later, the Pain is still there and always will be. Thwe Wounds never heal.

[@lukerooney2024]

An incredible speech from the greatest President gives me goosebumps every time.

[@indydude454]

I dont care what you think of Ronald Reagan but this has to be the most heart felt speech a president has ever given.

[@jabularich]

I was nearly seven when I saw this speech. Watching it now is surreal. One of the best written ever.

[@NTBC-onlineoutreachminstries]

We need a president that can talk like Ronald Reagan and get things done like Donald Trump.

[@theitaliankid05]

What a powerful speech. That last line gave me goosebumps.

[@ryancfcsas]

Absolutely breathtaking. I may be 22, born in 89 and British, but Reagan was a true hero and has become one of mine. He is my inspiration to continue the fight against socialism. Makes me wonder what he would say about Obama and co if he was still around today...

[@princepis]

Now that's a real leader, that's what this nation needs

[@alieninahumanbody]

31 years ago.......................... hot damn................................................. R.I.P the Challenger seven: Michael Smith, Dick Scobee Judith Resnick Ronald McNair Ellison Onizuka Gregory Jarvis Christa McAuliffe

[@AB3385ab]

This little speech was his best.

[@charlesgorman9830]

I don't mean to be a buzzkill with all of the Reagan love. Never was a fan of the guy, but this speech came from his heart, and the country needed it on that day. Will go down as one of the best POTUS speeches ever..

[@AGH331]

Well, he didn't write it himself.

[@davidbanks566]

No, he didn't, but he delivered it perfectly. Can you imagine President Trump delivering this speech with the same sincerity as President Reagan?

[@sakusia]

I'm not even American and this makes me cry. What a speech. R.I.P Challenger crew. I also like the part he takes a jab at the Soviets, saying " we don't hide things we don't cover up our space program".

[@Fragolux]

That was beautiful. "The slip the surly bonds of Earth, and touch the face of God..." God bless those men and women.

[@Quntumking]

I remember being school when this happened. Wow

[@TimeReaverGaming]

"We don't keep secrets and cover things up" K

[@ramrants8392]

I remember this. I was in high school when this happened and I remember his speech he gave that night. Reagan always had a way of making you feel like everything was going to be ok. He has been my favorite president ever since. He was an awesome leader and we will probably never see another like him in our lifetime.

[@womanwonder10]

If only we could have one like him again. He was kind, gentle, strong, and very wise. He loved people. He believed in us and he believed in the USA. He and Lincoln were my favorites! I believe he is with his Lord in Heaven! :) +I won't forget him, ever

[@Raelsatu]

Gorgeous, his words are inspirational. I just listened to his entire speech a couple times on this track called "Windsor Airlift - A Lovely Wedding, Snow and Sky". The first couple minutes is more like ocean/nature sounds and then right around 2 minutes Reagen's speech comes in. One of the most beautiful things I ever heard.

[@justinhall9090]

I'm not a big Reagan fan since I'm quite liberal bit this is one of the greatest speeches I've ever heard.

[@ladyddelpheine5993]

I was in 6th grade. As soon as it happened teachers tried to quickly turn off the tv's in the class rooms. He was so eloquent that night.

[@nikolaosfassilis5497]

I remember this day as it if were yesterday, and to think its almost 32 years ago

[@rodhmu]

As moving a speech as you will ever hear. Oh, how America needs someone like him right now, in the midst of the Covid19 pandemic and the utter incompetence and callous indifference of the current President.

[@sfdada1]

How far we have fallen. I remember exactly where I was when this occurred. Yes he was the great communicator

[@Neptune997]

RIP the the crews of Challenger and Columbia. Next month will be the 11th Anniversary of the loss of Columbia, 1 Feb 2003.

[@mlc2005]

I never liked his policies, but this was one hell of a speech.

[@jroberts7387]

This speech brought tears to my eyes. Our leaders need to follow in the foot steps of this great man. God bless President Reagan and the crew of the space shuttle Challenger. May those heroes who touched the face of God rest in peace.

[@lasvegasjh]

all these years later this still gives me goosebumps.

[@phil3999]

I use a portion of this speech when my son gets scared about unfamiliar experiences to him. "The future doesn't belong to the feint hearted. It belongs to the brave." It almost always allays his fears and raises his countenance.

[@LTDANMAN44]

this speech writer deserves an emmy

[@jamesmccormick211]

Peggy Noonan.

[@samanthagoodman6478]

What an amazing president Reagan was, if only we had his leadership now. He inspired, he encouraged, he supported americans and their constitution with vigor. Truly an american hero.

[@bagelboi66]

I agree, President Reagan was my favourite US President ever. The world could sure use a leader like him again in the White House. He lived a great life, and an inspiring life.

[@neominois]

I don't give a damn what you liberals say... President Reagan was one of the BEST Presidents our country has ever had, and we need a man like him right now...

[@thesoloist888]

*Owl City* brought me here

[@jameskennedy4377]

One of Reagan's greatest speeches, maybe his best.

[@johnmcilvain5538]

leadership