President Ronald Reagan and the Rebirth of Patriotism
President Reagan may have been a "B movie" actor who was best known for his roles in movies such as "Bedtime for Bonzo," but he was also enormously patriotic and served his country admirably during World War II by making a series of training films and helping raise funds for the war effort. As noted above, he was also a captain in the Army Air Corps, but his poor eyesight precluded his serving in combat. Nevertheless, his moving tribute to the men of the 2nd Ranger Battalion helped fuel a rebirth of patriotism in the U.S. that Brinkley suggests continues to the present day. Indeed, President Reagan was not known as the "Great Communicator" for nothing, and his speechwriters outdid themselves with this tribute. For instance, in his summation of the 2nd Ranger Battalion's heroic efforts, the former president made the observation in his speech that, "Behind me is a memorial that symbolizes the Ranger daggers that were thrust into the top of these cliffs. And before me are the men who put them there. These are the boys of Pointe du Hoc. These are the men who took the cliffs. These are the champions who helped free a continent. These are the heroes who helped end a war."
These inspirational words, and the setting in which they were delivered, represented some powerful stuff for Americans everywhere.
Memory, World War II and the "Greatest Generation" Concept
According to Brinkley, the time was ripe for reinvigorating a sense of patriotism in America when the 40th anniversary of D-Day rolled around. The World War II veterans were not going to be around for much longer, and the 40th anniversary of the D-Day invasion represented the perfect opportunity to both pay tribute to "the boys" as well as to emphasize their role as the "Greatest Generation" who saved the world for democracy. In this regard, Brinkley...
Although he never fought in World War II, Reagan had served in the Army Air Corps, eventually becoming a captain."
Critical Evaluation of the Book's Primary Thesis
In reality, Brinkley's book is about President Reagan's role just as much as it is about the 2nd Ranger Battalion's assault on the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc. By consulting primary archival records of the Pointe du Hoc assault as well as providing first-hand accounts of those who helped prepare the former president's speech at the 40th anniversary commemoration, Brinkley provides some valuable additions to the historical record concerning this turning point in the liberation of the European continent as well as the importance of Reagan's speech in bringing the country together to celebrate the victory and remember those who sacrificed everything so that freedom would endure.
Conclusion
The research showed that Douglas Brinkley's book, the Boys of Pointe du Hoc, provides an in-depth examination of the men of the 2nd Ranger Battalion who trained for one of the most difficult and important missions of World War II, many of whom died as a result. The research also showed that President Ronald Reagan's tribute to "Rudder's Rangers" would become a turning point in American history by creating the concept of the "Greatest Generation" for modern Americans who might otherwise not recognize the sacrifice and contributions made by these and the other men and women who served in the armed forces during World War II.
Douglas Brinkley, the Boys of Pointe du Hoc (New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2005), 28.
Brinkley, 45.
Quoted in Brinkley at 226.
Quoted in Brinkley at 226.
Brinkley, 9.
