Dreier Remembers Caspar Weinberger and Lyn Nofziger

March 28 , 2006

"Mr. Speaker, I rise to remember two great Americans, former Secretary of Defense, Caspar Weinberger and former advisor and press secretary to Ronald Reagan, Lyn Nofziger. Both Californians, both true patriots and WWII veterans, both dedicated public servants and both notable contributors to the Reagan revolution and legacy.

President Reagan’s vision of peace through strength found the perfect architect and advocate in Secretary Weinberger. He rebuilt and revitalized a military that had suffered from underfunding and underappreciation. His success laid the foundation for the end of the Cold War, and for the military might we rely on today.

He recognized that a strong defense would not only secure the peace, but protect our freedoms. Secretary Weinberger said, "Peace alone is not enough. Peace can even mean slavery sometimes. Peace and freedom is what we have to have."

Lyn Nofziger is probably best known for his off color humor and his dedication to his longtime boss, Ronald Reagan. As a spokesman for the Governor and President, he communicated on behalf of the Great Communicator.

During the dark hours after the attempt on President Reagan's life, it was Lyn who relayed to the world Reagan's famous line - "Honey, I forgot to duck."

What Lyn valued most, though, was freedom and the pursuit of it. On his web site, which is still up and where you can still read his musings, he said that he was a Republican "because I believe freedom is more important than government provided security."

Mr. Speaker, these were remarkable men who so strongly valued freedom that they fought for it, and so fully believed in the promise of the United States of America that they gave voice and policy to a President who made our country more prosperous and our world more free. We honor the service and the tremendous contributions of Secretary Weinberger and Lyn Nofziger. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families."