Rhetorical Analysis Of Reagan's Inaugural Address

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On Tuesday, January 20, 1981 the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan was sworn in at a ceremony known as the Inauguration. The tall and proud President Reagan took his oath of office on the West Front terrace of the capital, although it was the first time that it was held at this location, he tells us why in his Address. President Reagan was sworn into office by Chief Justice Warren Burger and then one of the greatest Presidents in the United States stepped up to the microphone to provide one of the most symbolic speeches. President Reagan was formally an actor, broadcaster and the Governor of California, nevertheless these different roles made him into the great man he was and helped him handle the difficulties he …show more content…

While President Reagan was tall in stature, his words and beliefs made him seem even taller with his statement regarding our allies and “impose on their sovereignty, for or own sovereignty is not for sale”. President Reagan also showed his strength and humility by reflecting and educating America on the beauty he sees from where he is standing; the monument of George Washington, memorial to Thomas Jefferson, and the monument of Abraham Lincoln. He also speaks of the Arlington National Cemetery and the heroes who lay there as well as he points out a story of Martin Treptow and his diary that was found on his body. The diary contained a flyleaf and the pledge that Martin Treptow had written under the heading, “America must win this war. Therefore, I will work, I will save, I will sacrifice, I will endure, I will fight cheerfully and do my utmost, as if the issue of the whole struggle depended on me alone.” President Reagan ended his inaugural speech with letting Americans that we are not required to make the same the sacrifices as Martin Treptow or other soldiers, but we need to pull together and do our best to with the help of God to resolves the issues ahead of Americans. He left Americans with a strong sense of pride and something to think about “and after all, why shouldn’t we believe