Pres. Reagan's State of the Union speeches: on Families & Children
Bedrock values: faith, family, work, neighborhood
The heart of America is strong; it's good and true. The cynics were wrong; America never was a sick society.
We're seeing rededication to bedrock values of faith, family, work, neighborhood, peace, and freedom--values that help bring us together as one people, from the youngest child to the most senior citizen.
Our greatest hope for the future is the minds and hearts of our people, especially our children. We can help them build tomorrow by strengthening our community of shared values. This must be our great goal.
For us, faith, work, family, neighborhood, freedom, and peace are not just words; they're expressions of what America means, definitions of what makes us a good and loving people. Families stand at the center of our society.
Source: Pres. Reagan's 1984 State of the Union message to Congress
Jan 25, 1984
As the family goes, so goes our civilization
Tonight America is stronger because of the values that we hold dear. We believe faith and freedom must be our guiding stars, for they show us truth, they make us brave, give us hope, and leave us wiser than we were. Our progress began not in Washington,
DC, but in the hearts of our families, communities, workplaces, and voluntary groups which, together, are unleashing the invincible spirit of one great nation under God.New freedom in our lives has planted the rich seeds for future success:-
For an America of wisdom that honors the family, knowing that as the family goes, so goes our civilization;
- For an America of vision that sees tomorrow's dreams in the learning and hard work we do today;
- For an America of courage whose service men
and women, even as we meet, proudly stand watch on the frontiers of freedom;
- For an America of compassion that opens its heart to those who cry out for help.
We have begun well. But it's only a beginning.
Source: Pres. Reagan's 1985 State of the Union message to Congress
Feb 6, 1985
Breakdown of the family causes "welfare culture"
As we work to make the American dream real for all, we must also look to the condition of America's families. Struggling parents today worry how they will provide their children the advantages that their parents gave them. In the welfare culture, the
breakdown of the family, the most basic support system, has reached crisis proportions: female and child poverty, child abandonment, horrible crimes, and deteriorating schools. After hundreds of billions of dollars in poverty programs, the plight of the
poor grows more painful. But the waste in dollars and cents pales before the most tragic loss: the sinful waste of human spirit and potential. We can ignore this terrible truth no longer.Tonight I am charging the White House Domestic Council to
present an evaluation of programs and a strategy for immediate action to meet the financial, educational, social, and safety concerns of poor families. The success of welfare should be judged by how many of its recipients become independent of welfare.
Source: Pres. Reagan's 1986 State of the Union message to Congress
Feb 4, 1986
Page last updated: Feb 24, 2019