“Let us be sure that those who come after will say of us in our time, that in our time we did everything that could be done. We finished the race; we kept them free; we kept the faith.”
- February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004
- American
- The 40th President of the United States, Actor, Politician, Governor of California
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Quote
“Let us be sure that those who come after will say of us in our time, that in our time we did everything that could be done. We finished the race; we kept them free; we kept the faith.”
Explanation
In this stirring quote, Ronald Reagan reflects on the responsibility of one generation to safeguard liberty for the next. He calls on his audience to act with such dedication and integrity that future generations will be able to say, with gratitude, that their forebears did not falter in the defense of freedom. The phrases “we finished the race,” “we kept them free,” and “we kept the faith” evoke a sense of mission, perseverance, and moral duty, drawing from both biblical language and patriotic resolve.
The historical context of this statement ties closely to Reagan’s broader message during the Cold War: that freedom must be actively defended, both at home and abroad, through moral clarity, strength, and unity. Reagan believed that the United States had a special role in history as a beacon of liberty, and that failure to uphold that role would not just be a political misstep, but a moral failing with global consequences. His words encouraged Americans to view their actions through the lens of history and legacy, not just present comfort.
Today, the quote remains a powerful reminder of the long-term responsibility of leadership and citizenship. Whether applied to defending democracy, preserving civil liberties, or confronting global threats, Reagan’s call to “keep the faith” challenges individuals to act with foresight, courage, and integrity, ensuring that the freedoms we inherit are also those we preserve. It is a timeless appeal to honor the past by securing the future.
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