President Reagan's Address at Pointe du Hoc, Normandy, France, June 6, 1984

Full Title: President Ronald Reagan's Address at a Ceremony Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings in Pointe du Hoc, Normandy, France, June 6, 1984
Transcript: www.reaganlibr...
Creator(s): President (1981-1989 : Reagan). White House Television Office. 1/20/1981-1/20/1989 (Most Recent)
Series: Video Recordings, 1/20/1981 - 1/20/1989
Collection: Records of the White House Television Office (WHTV) (Reagan Administration), 1/20/1981 - 1/20/1989
Production Date: 6/6/1984
Access Restriction(s):Unrestricted
Use Restriction(s):Unrestricted
Contact(s): Ronald Reagan Library (LP-RR), 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, CA 93065-0600
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail]
National Archives Identifier: 26123841
catalog.archiv...

[@climbsolo]

I've almost forgotten what it's like to have a real president - both humble and commanding. Both a statesman and a leader.

[@Malcolmdeeb]

That’s what we have now with President Biden.🇺🇸

[@emmerfarro]

@@Malcolmdeeb Reagan was not a vengeful, psychotic, at times illiterate self pitying fool. Nor is Joe Biden, for all of his glaring faults. As for King Trump??? He defines the qualities that Reagan and Biden thankfully lack that I mentioned.

[@emmerfarro]

@@Malcolmdeeb What a clever response. As canned and stale as a tin of 20 year old SPAM.

[@kirstenfox179]

​@Malcolmdeeb LMAO 🤣 😂 You're JOKING right? Lay off the Kool-aid. Joke BUMBLING BIDEN is the worst president in history!! ##FJB

[@kirstenfox179]

​@@emmerfarroLMAO 🤣 😂 STOP drinking the Kool-aid! Biden is the worst president in history! #FJB

[@Shay_-cq2cl]

THIS is what a President delivers on D-Day! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@Kristac928]

Indeed

[@kschirod]

Joe Budden gave the same speech yesterday. He's no stranger to plagiarize. He'll do anything to win votes. He is not my president. Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump are the greatest presidents of my lifetime.

[@GM-xo7yy]

Well Biden tried to deliver the same speech.

[@user-bt8vn3dj6o]

I agree!

[@dahawk8574]

Reagan was 73. Just a baby.

[@David-mw6vy]

I am proud to say, that when I served, Ronald Reagan was my Commander in chief.

[@joeviking61]

same here...

[@oldgoat142]

Same here. VF-142/CVW-7/USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, '83-'86.

[@jamessimms415]

Same here. Korea & Ft. Lewis. Went to Saudi Arabia for Desert Shield, Desert Storm. Both of my parents were WW2 Navy Vets, Dad served behind Japanese lines on mainland China, Mom was a WAVE. Her second cousin Maurice Britt was awarded the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, English & Italian awards, after leaving the nfl after Pearl Harbor. Lost his right arm in combat, came back & finished law school, successful businessman, & two term Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas.

[@renelammers813]

Thank you for your service all of you.

[@blondie6549]

Thank you❤

[@robertburks28]

The speeches that President Reagan gave this 40th Anniversary of D-Day will always be the greatest and most inspirational. He was the 40th U.S. President who died on June 5, 2004, the eve of the 60th D-Day Anniversary. Twenty years after his death, on this the 80th D-Day Anniversary, his heart felt words still echo across the beaches...

[@gregorymaupin6388]

As just a veteran who served under President Reagan it was his voice that understood the importance of a real Commander and Chief. President Reagan respected the military not just of America but of our Allies, he also respected the leadership in other nations. Gorbachev respected President Reagan and likewise he returned but our president told Gorbachev to tear down the wall that separated East and West Germany and our president in effect stopped the Cold War. When President Reagan spoke the leaders of other countries listened and fell into step with America, this was much to do with Strong leadership that began from President Reagan. I pray America can find its way back to the strength of what President Reagan espoused.

[@lidlett9883]

I can say president Ronald Reagan brings a few tears to my eyes with this speech. He was the one i first time voted for. I wish we had him here and now.

[@cindyluzinski3539]

President Reagan was the first president I voted for. He loved this country❤

[@Cwgrlup]

He had dementia when he was in office. A REAL diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.

[@JeffreyGlover65]

My first vote for President also. 1984. 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@sierratim6023]

My father was one of the 225 Rangers that landed at Pointe du hoc. He rarely spoke of it saying only "It had to be done".

[@birdie8445]

Well said

[@merrildegroot7862]

Thank you for his service.

[@jeannecarey9550]

The men, your father and the rangers he fought with...will there ever be men like them again? Greatest Generation.

[@michaelwainscott576]

B E😂❤❤

[@kirstenfox179]

Your father is a hero! Thank you!

[@ralwave1]

He is the first President I voted for at 18. I couldn't tell my father then, a WWII veteran and Democrat. That day I was a Republican.. Today, I am in Independent. Tides have changed.. but his message is American.. and Patriotic.

[@PEH-sv1rj]

I was 21 and he was my first vote too for President. All these years later, I consider myself an "old school republican" as I don't really understand what the party stands for today so I guess I've become an Independent also.

[@whiteboundry]

he was president when i was a kid, the Democratic party was different then and i identified with them at the time. i still recognized that he was a good man. i wish that the 2024 election had someone like him in the running. humble, kind, and classy

[@ifyouloveChristyouwillobeyhim]

Dems and Reps used to be so different from how they are today. I finally realized that what we're dealing with today is Democrats stand for evil, as openly and quickly as possible, and Republicans stand for evil, a little more subtly and slowly. There are some decent Reps like Trump and Tucker still left. But they're not a godly party and their future is only more and more compromise. There is no godly mainstream party. I don't vote anymore because I think my vote counts. I vote pragmatically to try to slow down the inevitable crash. Repentance alone, God alone can save us.

[@teller1290]

The tide hasn't changed with democrats. They're bigger leftists now than ever and have gutted the nation, maybe irreparably. Voting for the lesser of two evils is our only option other than seeking another home.

[@teller1290]

​@@PEH-sv1rjbut you do understand, I assume, what the leftists stand for, don't you? They're even worse than Reagan's weak and dangerous opponents back then. Another term and we're finished, if we're not now. Lesser of two evils unfortunately is our choice. We must make that choice and not shirk that aggravating responsibility by calling ourselves independent. Or we aren't going to be independent people much longer. We're stuck with Trump because the GOP was weak in the face of Obama's endless eight -yr reign and the very great damage he did, from Comey and Brennan to his horrible high court and appellate court picks to his carefully unleashed race war on police from Ferguson to Baltimore ...all based on communist lies. Americans were so frustrated and left with weaklings that they wanted to see an angry candidate. Trump played populist and seemed angry. Truth is GOP has been a poor answer to the determined, angry, well organized left since Reagan's exit...well before Trump. McCain and Romney nominations and their "campaigns" were feckless and embarrassing. I hope GOP greatly improved after Trump. I don't hold my breath.

[@randfb]

No president could make an address as well as President Reagan.

[@chukwurahudemezue1174]

In my country Nigeria I continuously pray for the day we will have our own “Ronald Reagan”

[@c5back9]

chukwurah udemezue : God hears your prayers!

[@paulstillman2878]

As an American I pray for the same thing

[@johnstevenson1709]

What Nigeria needs it not one person but an end to government and police corruption. Every Nigerian can play their part in that cause

[@johnh1353]

I might be replying to that person

[@philladelphia5081]

God bless you and your country 🙏🏻💙

[@user-mw5rv2tn9s]

Un très grand président et un grand ami de la France. Merci, Monsieur Reagan ! 🇨🇵🇺🇲

[@gusbeau1]

“A very great president & a great friend of France . Thank you, Mr. Reagan “

[@parallaxslc1993]

@@gusbeau1 THANK YOU AS AN ALLY FOR REMEMBERING WHAT WE STILL ARE AS A NATION...WE WILL BE BACK IN 2025, AND OUR ENEMIES HAD BETTER MARK THE DATE!

[@johnh1353]

"Forty summers have passed since the battle that you fought here. You were young the day you took these cliffs; some of you were hardly more than boys, with the deepest joys of life before you. Yet, you risked everything here. Why? Why did you do it? What impelled you to put aside the instinct for self-preservation and risk your lives to take these cliffs? What inspired all the men of the armies that met here? We look at you, and somehow we know the answer. It was faith and belief; it was loyalty and love." 😢🇺🇸

[@OFFICIALUND]

Here on June 6, 2024 - 40 years after this speech was given and 80 years after the sacrifice about which Reagan spoke was made.

[@BigfistJP]

And our President couldn't even stay awake.

[@canili61]

@@BigfistJP Have you no sense of decency, sir? At long last, have you left no sense of decency?

[@BigfistJP]

@canili61 How hard it is to accept the truth.

[@johnsmith7911]

I had the privilege, and honor, of playing"Hail to the Chief" and "Ruffles and Flourishes" for this man.

[@Schlomothebest]

Yeah sure...

[@BGI_guy]

​@@Schlomothebest let him cook

[@garyjackson3531]

Thank you for your service.

[@mardeev594]

And that's how a great American president makes an entrance to such an occasion.

[@KingdomComeClark]

He was the first President that I had the honor of voting for! ✌🏻❤️🤍💙

[@lawrencethornbury8081]

Same.

[@gregz7159]

If we are one Country under God, we must endure. There will never be another President Reagan, but we sure need one like him soon. Keep the faith, America.

[@charlesreese9301]

I couldn't agree with you more. We also could use another Honest And.

[@joep5146]

Greatest President since Lincoln. Period. RIP President Reagan. You will never be forgotten.

[@DMS-pq8]

God Bless President Reagan and the men who took the cliffs

[@josephschopp3642]

tghe greatest generation ought NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

[@davidking909]

From what I could find on the Web ,as of a year ago there was only 1 man of all these veterans still alive. God bless these men who landed that day. Thank You

[@nancybenton5635]

Just watching those men salute Reagan brings tears to my eyes.

[@johncrump916]

For yes he was 1 of the " Best Presidents that there ever was & will be "

[@ProDynamixTV]

40 years ago today. A beautiful speech that captures the respect, sacrifice and honor of those who gave all so that we today can live free. Fight to keep that freedom.

[@CM-wj2ow]

Proudest moment of my NOTHING life at 20. On my way out to work, thinking, my dad would love to watch this with me, and see myself in his eyes. GOD help me please. My eyes hadn't clue at the time!!

[@marysexton3696]

A great President. A great man. How we miss him.

[@Hardball1Alpha]

Imagine your President giving TWO awesome speeches on the same day.

[@jakedunnegan]

Who in the heck can downvote this speech? Eesh. What a piece of history this is...

[@yuckyool]

Peggy Noonan. The Ronald Reagan of Presidential speech writers.

[@robspring81]

We need this man so desperately now… lord help us

[@dc10driver1]

I just had to listen to this great speech again today, 35 years later. Sill so appropriate and relevant. Great President and leader. We finally have a geat one again! Never forget what was done at Normandy. I take it very personally. They did it for me!!

[@urgdaddy]

God, I miss you and bless you Reagan. From above we need you more than ever.

[@joeburns4294]

‘We came not to conquer, but to liberate.’

[@richschindler8731]

I was there, saw him in person, maybe not this close, but I certainly heard it. Glad I found this video.

[@appalachiahiker853]

God, Reagan and the greatest generation! Everything that i respect!

[@joep5146]

Compare President Reagan to the sheer and utter incompetence in the White House today. Just tragic.

[@kennyshepherd8311]

We need President Reagan, again!

[@blank557]

"The Rangers looked up and saw the enemy soldiers at the edge of the cliff shooting machine guns, and throwing grenades. And the American Rangers began to climb"

[@Pilotc180]

I wish we had this great man now instead of what we have

[@danielkokal8819]

Reagan did his bit for freedom as well fighting the cold war. The man had a spine.

[@johntisdale6721]

He served in Hollywood in WW2 but excelled at playing a soldier

[@garyjackson3531]

@johntisdale6721 Ronald Reagan, who had extremely poor eyesight, was rated ineligible for combat by the Armed Forces. He was assigned to first to a reserve regiment in Iowa and as a Second Lt. in California. He made few movies during that time, but he served his country by making training films as well as propaganda films to boost morale. The few war movies he made for Hollywood are outstanding. Every man, woman, and child in the United States did their part. Hell, even the Italian Mafia stepped up to help defeat the National Socialist Germans!

[@annacoates7103]

God bless America and thank you for raising up President Reagan!

[@kthoennes]

We may not see a leader like that ever again I'm afraid. Vision, gratitude, inspiration. Not resentment.

[@debraburke2444]

God bless you sir. Finer days. 🙏🇺🇸

[@stephaniejooste3879]

I was in frist grade when this day happened and now I'm grateful that Nick Freitas mentioned this speech. So few of these great men and woman are still with us, my Uncle was one who we lost 20 years ago today. We thank you each and every one! I grew up with President Ronald Reagan and P.M. Margaret Thatcher, great leaders, a thank you from a girl in South Africa where we are still fighting for our democracy.

[@TheChefLady4JC]

I'm here because of Nick's reel...

[@MrPerfesser]

One of the greatest Presidential speeches in our proud history. President Reagan spoke for all of America that day. More recently, President Trump cancelled his D-Day trip to Normandy because it was raining. We need to return to true patriotism, to the love of our nation and our laws and our democracy. That is the call of D-Day and what Ronald Reagan spoke to on June 6, 1984.

[@Railhog2102]

Trump is a fucking coward

[@ek5419]

I was on the Ike and Reagan flew over our ship. We were on the flight deck in formation.

[@jamesthompson1279]

I miss him almost every day. A big man for a big job.

[@mgmmac36]

you see those Rangers snap a salute to their C-in-C. Beautiful.

[@larrythiel691]

His best speech. And my god, that covers a lot of ground.

[@scottwichmann618]

Oh how far we have fallen

[@rosairethibaudeau7564]

I was not a big fan of Ronald Reagan. But I remember watching this one morning when I was in graduate school. It made me so proud.

[@janicebrowningaquino792]

I am not a person who admires President Reagan or his policies in general. I DO know, however his contribution on the international front was something to applaud as a significant accomplishment. Also, being the excellent actor that he was, he had the ability to deliver an impactful and important speech such as this. It is profound and to the point and delivered with the depth of sincerity of a man of the same generation as the men of which he speaks. I don’t expect any President to be perfect, to do everything perfectly. They make mistakes as we all do. I watched President Biden’s speech just now at the same Pointe du Hoc Memorial. To compare would be ridiculous. Let me say I appreciated and I understood what both men were conveying.

[@snowwolf2951]

225 came here after two days of fighting only 90 could still bare arms that's badass

[@Railhog2102]

The Rangers took heavy losses at Pointe Du Hoc, We don't know exactly what went on there but some sources state that when they defended the area the German 352nd Division from Omaha came over and gave them hell until they were relieved. Also the 5th and elements of the 2nd also landed at Omaha there the 29th Infantry Division they were attached too lost an entire company that being Able 116th Infantry.

[@DermotFoley]

Thank you, I remember this speech very well.

[@deplorabled1695]

Simply stunning.

[@Nah481]

Now here's a real president speaking! Unlike the pathetic Biden we have today

[@patriots02ify]

Remember when America had a REAL President. God, I miss Ronald Reagan.

[@libertyvilleguy2903]

Great, great speech. Can you imagine any of the last four presidents having the stomach to make a speech like this?

[@jaydibernardo4320]

The greatest President in my lifetime. Greatest. Ever. RIP

[@jimmyhill9743]

A moving speech

[@agauvain1236]

I would love to one day wade into the surf, turn around and see the beach as those brave men saw it. Not knowing if they would live to see another sunrise. God bless all of you and a special thank you to those who gave the last full measure. Knowing full well all gave some, but some gave all.

[@VictorySpeedway]

I was privileged to stand at the waters edge at low tide on Omaha Beach. How any man made it to the shelter of the bluffs is a miracle. That so many men didn't make it is tragic. There are so few left to thank for their courage and determination. When the last one is gone, it is our obligation to remember their sacrifice and pass on to our children and grandchildren the stories of their deeds. We're here because they were there.

[@christopherpatitsas4193]

Beautiful words and sentiments.

[@gdurant]

God bless the United States Army for its sacrifice in creating this great nation. Over 1 million army soldiers have died since the founding of the nation by the United States Army. This is vastly disproportionate in the amount of sacrifice when compared with all the other services of the United States. The highest Honor by far belongs to the United States Army.

[@chelanchris50]

My father served in the Army for 20 years. Retired a major. Then taught ROTC in Atlanta then Phoenix. He died in Dec 2011 waiting for our response to those cowardly attacks on 9/11. He earned a bronze star in Korea and a service commendation medal later. He always loved this country and hated communism. I miss him.

[@jakedunnegan]

The Army has suffered the most casualties, true. But they are also the oldest force and largest, by FAR. You can't exactly blame the Air Force for not having casualties in the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, etc etc. The fact is, ALL branches do their part to defend our country, and there's no such thing as one branch having "more honor" than another. All the branches are subject to being put in harm's way at any time and leave their daily life and family behind to serve their country. They all deserve equal respect.

[@paultaylor9331]

Okinawa?

[@roylong9889]

God bless, this is what a President Sounds Like. 😢😢😢

[@billjenkins687]

Thank You, Mr. President. You are greatly missed. President Trump continues in your spirit.

[@chrisleonard8366]

Hard times created strong men.

[@en5788]

In 1980 I was 10 and very disappointed that my dad voted for Carter.

[@Pilotc180]

Back when we had a real, respected President

[@janelawless621]

Still the best. And better hair. ❤️🇺🇸

[@kennethgammon9303]

My God that man could give a speech.

[@kellyStraughen]

Awesome

[@alfonsoandrade6995]

This is what a Christian America looks like. We have to pray for the faith of our children because without faith we have no future...

[@tinamartinelli6763]

Thats the Best there is...to me. Stately ...confident...compassionate...leader.

[@henrybowman5473]

So much honor and patriotism has been lost..may the Lord turn this country back to Him. We need His grace and mercy as we enter this battle with the corporate oligarchs and their manufactured socialism here at home and around the world.

[@GM-xo7yy]

Look how he picks up his feet and walks without shuffling.

[@zalalapant]

Never forget

[@tinamartinelli6763]

My grandmother had 2 sons in that war 18 and 20 years old one was shot my Godfather but he lived. They were Great Americans my uncle's but mostly my Grandmother for her Love for this Country..her other 2 sons one my dad were in the Korean war....and American Italian and my grandmother spoke with an Italian accent...she was the most Honorable woman...and made our Country Great.❤🇺🇸😀

[@johnatkins9427]

The most marvelous Chief of State.

[@shragamildiner8472]

God bless this man

[@YokozunaNumber1]

35 years ago. Think about that. In five years, the time from D-Day to this speech will be the same as from this speech to "today".

[@YokozunaNumber1]

We're now past that point in time.

[@brane4175]

An awesome speech

[@TheNinthLord]

My father often said, "best president of my lifetime."

[@gangstaman2069]

Wonderful speech, my favorite US president in the best decade ever, the 80s

[@MusicReadingforAll]

Peggy Noonan and President Reagan were quite a team, as were the American Rangers who attempted to scale those cliffs!

[@mlan8645]

The last true gentleman to hold the office. Respected by both parties and our allies. Feared by our enemies. I wish we could resurrect him.

[@davidhoward5392]

50th Anniversary of D Day, was part of this on HMS Fearless

[@blastforth]

14:25 "Why? Why did you do it."

[@paulstillman2878]

They don't make presidents like Reagan anymore.

[@lorenjdueck]

Every word of this speech is applicable to today. Just replace Soviet Union with North Korea, Iran, and China.

[@Railhog2102]

And now Russia

[@Chrisbarkdull]

Ronnie was the best. He is sorely missed

[@zeke1eod]

Amen

[@Kristac928]

My first conservative vote went to this great man. I miss this President.

[@SD-wz4bt]

This is a true leader, our president today is so embarrassing compared to President Reagan. He was a very strong president

[@tinamartinelli6763]

I didnt tell my dad either he was Democrat...I voted for President Reagan. He lead us well...our Great Country. Rest in Peace 🇺🇸

[@TheNukite]

Best president to this day.

[@paulstillman2878]

D-Day: the day the English-speaking peoples turned the lights back on in Europe.

[@mikewhitworth2392]

God Bless America

[@mitchcornacchia968]

HERO.

[@BilA-h3j]

Read this book by Peggy Noonan. "When Character Was King: A Story of Ronald Reagan" Honor, integrity and strength...God bless this president.

[@enqueue100]

Reagan was a true leader. "We've learned that isolationism never was and never will be an acceptable response to tyrannical governments with expansionist intent." - what a poignant reminder of how far the modern Republican party has strayed.

[@Delmarvafishing]

Slightly different than the "poopgate" scandle from last week.

[@angelf3365]

Miss him