Foreign Policy

Truth to tell, President Reagan was not exactly a fan of traveling – especially if it meant to far away places without Nancy. Once when talking to an aide about some upcoming foreign travel and the number of flights required, the President said “the highest I want to go is on the saddle of a horse.” But he understood the importance of representing America abroad and of forming relationships with his counterparts. He climbed the steps of Air Force One many times over the eight years, visiting more than two dozen countries.

When he stood in a foreign capital and heard “The Star Spangled Banner” played by the host country’s band, President Reagan seemed to stand just a little taller and his chest swelled ever so slightly. You could almost feel his pride in representing the USA.

Reagan believed fervently in the greatness and goodness of America, and knew that American strength was central to world peace. One of his first priorities as President was taking a demoralized and underfunded U.S. military and giving it the support and resources it needed to keep America safe and to be a force for peace around the globe.

Nothing made him prouder than to be Commander in Chief. You could see in his face how much it meant to receive – and return – a salute. He felt a special bond with the men and women in uniform, especially the young people from the small towns across America. That they were willing to risk their lives for their country never ceased to amaze and humble President Reagan. He took no responsibility more seriously than to keep them out of harm’s way. But he made a commitment to them that if it ever became necessary to send them into battle, he would make sure they had what they needed to get the job done.

By the time President Reagan left office, the U.S. military budget had increased 43% over the total expenditure during the height of the Vietnam War. Troop levels increased, there were significantly more weapons and equipment and the country’s intelligence program was vastly improved.

Ronald Reagan strengthened the military because he was a realist. He understood the world, and had a clear sense of what America’s role should be – the champion of freedom for peoples everywhere.

Perhaps his most steadfast ally in that pursuit was British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. From the day they met, the two just “clicked.” They saw the world in similar ways, and found themselves in agreement on most global issues. The U.S. and British were said to have a “special relationship,” perhaps best evidenced by the fact that the Reagans’ first State Dinner in 1981 and last State Dinner in 1988 were both in honor of Mrs. Thatcher.

The special relationship between the U.S. and the U.K. was not limited to the Prime Minister. Indeed, the Reagans and the British Royal family came to like each other quite a bit, so much so that Queen Elizabeth II invited President Reagan to go horseback riding with her at Windsor Castle, and Mrs. Reagan was an honored guest at two Royal weddings.