Ronald Reagan Speech On The Steps Of Pointe Du Hoc

Analysis of Reagan’s Speech
On the steps of Pointe du Hoc, Ronald Reagan gave his speech to an audience consisting of D-Day veterans and various world leaders. In the beginning of his speech, he addresses the plight in which the soldiers endured during the Invasion of Normandy. He also briefly describes WWII and what they had been fighting for. Reagan stated that, “Europe was enslaved, and the world prayed for its rescue.” D-Day can be seen as the start of the rescue operation for Europe and all those in it. The plight can be seen in this section as Reagan describes what each Army Ranger that fought endured. He stated, “When one Ranger fell, another would take his place. When one rope was cut, a Ranger would grab another and begin his climb

Reagan said in his speech that daunting tasks like that of rebuilding nations, lives and governments were ahead. But he also said that, “the Allies summoned strength from the faith, belief, loyalty, and love of those who fell here. They built a new Europe together.” This shows the willingness and determination of those to make Europe more peaceful and better for all, even their enemies. He stated that there first occurred a great forgiveness between the Allies and the Axis, all whom have suffered immensely. And yet, what Reagan and all the others who have worked sleepless nights to ensure, the domestic tranquility that all deserves, the plans did not work out in the way for which they were intended. The USSR, a Communist country, bombarded Eastern Europe with their radical ideals being forced upon innocent civilians via military occupation. This ignited the Cold War, a time period for which political hostility rocked the US and the USSR lasting for 45 years. Reagan transitions into a different tone when talking about this subject. He shifts into an urgent and angry tone when he states that, “Soviet troops that came to the center of this continent did not leave when peace came. They’re still there, uninvited, unwanted, unyielding, almost 40 years after the war. Because of this, allied forces still stand on this continent.” This message demonstrates the distaste and anger that Reagan has towards the Soviet Union for restricting the rights of those under Soviet control. After this, Reagan describes what can be done and what should occur to ensure the peace that many yearn for. He explains that the US is always ready to negotiate for peace, even with the Soviet Union. He says, “We look for some sign from the Soviet Union that they are willing to move forward, that they share our desire and love for peace and that they will give up the ways of conquest.”