Reagan: Mourned By Friends, Foes

Loved Ones, Dignitaries Offer Their Own Eulogies For Reagan

(CBS/AP)  Loved ones, friends, foes and dignitaries around the world are publicly eulogizing former President Ronald Reagan - each in their own way remembering the man, his ideas and his achievements.

President Bush: "It's a sad day for America. A great American life has come to an end."

Former President Gerald Ford: "Betty and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our longtime friend, President Reagan. Ronald Reagan was an excellent leader of our nation during challenging times at home and abroad."

Former President Jimmy Carter: "This is a sad day for our country."

Former President George H.W. Bush: "We had been political opponents and became close friends. Barbara and I mourn the loss of a great president and for us a great friend. He could take a stand ... and do it without creating bitterness or creating enmity on the part of other people."

Former President Bill Clinton: "Hillary and I will always remember President Ronald Reagan for the way he personified the indomitable optimism of the American people, and for keeping America at the forefront of the fight for freedom for people everywhere. It is fitting that a piece of the Berlin Wall adorns the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington."

Nancy Reagan, in an article written for Time Magazine: "I think they broke the mold when they made Ronnie... He was a man of strong principles and integrity. He had absolutely no ego, and he was very comfortable in his own skin; therefore, he didn't feel he ever had to prove anything to anyone."

Michael Reagan: "I pray that as America reflects on the passing of my Dad, they will remember a man of integrity, conviction and good humor that changed America and the world for the better. He would modestly say the credit goes to others, but I believe the credit is his."

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani: "He changed the map of the world, he defeated communism. I can't imagine a man making a greater contribution."

Democratic Presidential Candidate Sen. John Kerry: "Ronald Reagan's love of country was infectious. Even when he was breaking Democrats hearts, he did so with a smile and in the spirit of honest and open debate. Despite the disagreements, he lived by that noble ideal that at 5 p.m. we weren't Democrats or Republicans, we were Americans and friends."

Republican California Arnold Schwarzenegger: "I am deeply saddened by the passing of President Reagan. I did not just admire him, I was fortunate enough to know him. He was a hero to me."

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan: "President Reagan will be remembered for his leadership and resolve during a period of momentous change in world affairs, as well as for the warmth, grace and humor with which he conducted affairs of state."

Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev: "Reagan was a statesman who, despite all disagreements that existed between our countries at the time, displayed foresight and determination to meet our proposals halfway and change our relations for the better, stop the nuclear race, start scrapping nuclear weapons, and arrange normal relations between our countries... Reagan, whom many considered extremely rightist, dared to make these steps, and this is his most important deed."

Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher "He will be missed not only by those who knew him and not only by the nation that he served so proudly and loved so deeply, but also by millions of men and women who live in freedom today because of the policies he pursued."

French President Jacques Chirac: "A great statesman, who through the strength of his convictions and his commitment to democracy will leave a deep mark in history."

Former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban: "Hungary and Europe do not forget Ronald Reagan's help and his support for the former communist countries."

Republican National Committee Chairman Ed Gillespie: "Ronald Reagan was a president of great historic impact who led the United States with strength and conviction, and the positive impact of his policies is still felt today here and around the world. Because Ronald Reagan lived, people across the globe live in greater freedom and prosperity."

Sen. Minority Leader Tom Daschle: "America has lost an icon. Ronald Reagan's leadership will inspire Americans for generations to come. His patriotism and devotion to our country will never be forgotten."

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich: "President Ronald Reagan proved that an American, raised in difficult family circumstance, in a small town, with no personal money, could not only could succeed but could rise to lead the cause of freedom and declare victory over the tyranny of the former Soviet Union."

Sen. Edward Kennedy: "The warmth of his personality always shone through, and his infectious optimism gave us all the feeling that it really was 'morning in America.' On foreign policy he will be honored as the President who won the cold war, and his 'Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!' will be linked forever with President Kennedy's 'Ich bin ein Berliner.'"

Illinois Republican Congressman Henry Hyde: "A giant left us today. Ronald Reagan had a sense of principles he believed in, and no amount of polling data or press could cause him to alter these principles. He was a great patriot, a great optimist and one of the greatest presidents in our history. We should thank God for letting us have him as long as we did."

Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm: "President Reagan transformed our nation's psyche with his optimism and positive vision. He was a strong leader who made a lasting mark on our nation's history. He was gentle and kind and every American can learn from his example."

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison: "An unequaled champion of freedom, smaller government and market-oriented principles, he has always been an inspiration to me. Perhaps most importantly, this happy warrior faced the gravest threat of his time and made the difficult decisions that ultimately won the Cold War."

Sen. Chuck Hagel: "Ronald Reagan was a unique leader who understood the greatness and goodness of America. History will judge him well. He led our nation through historic challenges and changes with unyielding confidence and courage. Ronald Reagan embodied the best of America. He was the American spirit."

New York Gov. George Pataki: "The sun has set on the remarkable life of the great man who reminded us it is always morning in America. President Ronald Wilson Reagan will always be remembered as a man of unwavering principle whose sense of hope, optimism and opportunity appealed to the best in Americans."

Sen. Charles Schumer: "Whether you agreed or disagreed with Ronald Reagan, you can't deny that he was honest, fought hard for what he believed in, and had the courage of his convictions."

Democratic National Chairman Terry McAuliffe: "Reagan represented the best of civility in American politics and the finest traditions of standing up nobly for what you believe in."

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi: "As an American, I appreciate Ronald Reagan's great leadership and service to our country. As a Californian, I admire the special grace and humor that endeared him to millions."