On the passing of a true American patriot, President Ronald Wilson Reagan, the America First Party issues the following statement:

We are deeply saddened by the news of the death of President Reagan. Our thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt condolences go out to the Reagan Family.

Our own sadness, and the grief of a grateful nation, is lessened only by the sure knowledge that his suffering of the past decade has ended and he has moved on to a better place.

President Reagan was a man of conviction who believed in the great possibilities that our nation offers every citizen. He promoted liberty as the natural and best hope of all mankind. He was a man of compassion, of humor, and mostly of hope. His optimism was infectious and lifted our nation from its own malaise and feelings of inadequacy. His bravery, moral certainty, and strength in a time of geopolitical uncertainty led to the demise of the Soviet Union and freed billions of people throughout the world.

While the policies President Reagan was able to enact did not always meet the lofty goals he set, the Party's members are grateful that he gave voice to so many important ideals of our Republic:

• That Americans must trust in Divine Providence, rely upon the wisdom of our forebears, and believe in the promise of future generations.
• That a nation that fails to secure its borders will cease to exist.
• That the less government interferes in the lives of its citizens, the better.
• That a nation strong enough and focused enough to defeat potential enemies need never face them in battle.
• That the highest aim of government is to secure for its people the God-given rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Finally, we are grateful to President Reagan for trying to teach us all that our nation should be the great exemplar and communicator of freedom throughout the world, but that we cannot bestow liberty and self-government upon others. He taught us all that true freedom only comes to people that fight for their own freedom every day.

President Reagan, you will surely be missed. We will try to keep your memory alive.