Today is the twenty-fifth anniversary of President Ronald Reagan's "tear down this wall" speech in West Berlin. Later in that speech, he mentions the Soviet SS-20 missile. We were all listening intently along with the rest of the world. It took on a more personal meaning to us because on June 12, 1987, I was sitting on Pershing II nuclear missiles. We were the direct response to the Soviet SS-20 and also the veiled threat in the speech. I was on Waldheide Nuclear Weapons Storage Area in Heilbronn, West Germany with the missiles that were going to fire if the USSR decided to launch theirs. Yes, we were all listening closely.
So was Mr. Gorbachev.
As they like to say in the Pershing world, we gave peace a chance.
I just wanted to take a minute to remember President Reagan and my brothers and sisters who protected the Pershings until they were no longer needed. By 1991, all of them were gone.
That speech meant so much to me that it's quoted on the back of "SAT & BAF!".
Remembering Reagan's Tear Down This Wall Speech 25 Years Later
Hi Doug!
ReplyDeleteI heard the speech again today. President Reagan was magnificent as are our military men and women. This country has been blessed many times over. Thank you for your service and for sharing.
Thank you, Martha! I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and listen to my rambling. It was my honor to serve.
ReplyDeleteDoug,
ReplyDeleteSometimes I forget how close you were to the proverbial fire. I'm so glad that the speech was heard and that you along with your fellow brothers and sisters in arms never actually had to see the fire start.
Thanks, Lynn! I'm glad you stopped by.
ReplyDelete