Today President Ronald Reagan would have been 100 years old. A tribute to the man, his early years as an actor, political rise to be the leader of the free world, and his inspirational leadership of the nation, and those around him, were the focus of the memorial today at the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California.

  

On a day when most Americans are focused on football, in a brief respite from world events, unemployment, and divisive political infighting, it was good to remember his steadying words, core values, and courageous leadership. At a time when Americans needed strength and renewed vision, Ronald Reagan brought that to the White House, and to all Americans, with wisdom, humor, and pragmatism.  

  

With wisdom, civility and toughness, his leadership restored America's confidence, the economy, and led to the demise of the Soviet Union and the longest period of prosperity in our nation's history.

  

He reminded us of our Judeo Christian values, calling us to join together to "reclaim those great principles" and rejected predictions of our demise, something we would all be well to remember at this juncture in our history.

  

Father in heaven, we give thanks for great leaders whose lives and example  inspire those around them to live lives that are kinder, wiser, and more dependent on You to help them serve humbly and with courage.  Thank you for the life and service of Ronald Reagan and the millions of lives he touched in America and around the world.  Use his example to advise and encourage our current President and all who serve in his Administration, the Congress, the Senate, and in our State and Local governments. Help us all to be the people You wish us to be, Servants not of ourselves, but of the Most High God, Whose love toward us cannot be measured.  It is in Christ Our LORD Whose Name we pray.  Amen.