Ronald Reagan’s mantra was “peace through strength.” Peace was the end, strength the means.

President Reagan believed in the power of reaching across the aisle, in getting things done, and in the power of people working together towards solutions rather than leaving it in the hands of the government.

Not much meant more to President Reagan than peace and freedom across the globe.

President Reagan loved celebrating – and joking about – his birthday. Each year was another anniversary of his 39th birthday.

President Reagan believed that hard work, ingenuity and enterprise is what makes us Americans.

At his heart, Ronald Reagan was an optimist. He believed in America and its people.

By 1960, Ronald Reagan, who was a registered Democrat at the time, began to realize that the enemy wasn’t big business, it was big government. In 1962, while campaigning for Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan officially registered to join the Republican party.

To President Reagan, economic recovery meant businessmen and women taking action, more than it meant government involvement.

President Reagan believed in his faith, and in the value of prayer. As Governor of California and President of the United States Ronald Reagan often weaved elements of faith into his speeches. As early as 1952, he said, “I believe that God in shedding his grace on this country has always in this divine scheme of things kept an eye on our land.” And, as President, he repeatedly became frustrated with the lack of faith in our school system and even in politics.

President Reagan often said that the American tradition of neighbor helping neighbor was one of our greatest strengths and most noble traditions. He asked Americans to exercise their right and responsibility to take an active role in their neighborhoods, towns, and their nation.