How we cite our quotes: (Sentence)
Quote #1
Ladies and gentlemen, I'd planned to speak to you tonight to report on the state of the Union, but the events of earlier today have led me to change those plans. Today is a day for mourning and remembering. (1-2)
Reagan's not going to give the historic State of the Union address. But don't be sad because he's going to talk about something equally historic...but do be sad because that thing is a nightmare unique to the technological conditions of the 20th century.
Quote #2
Nancy and I are pained to the core by the tragedy of the shuttle Challenger. We know we share this pain with all of the people of our country. This is truly a national loss. (3-5)
Remember Nancy, the First Lady who hangs out with daytime television stars and furry puppets? Reagan wants to make sure you do, and that you know the both of them, former movie stars and examples of unattainable American wholesomeness, are sad just like all of the real people.
Quote #3
Nineteen years ago, almost to the day, we lost three astronauts in a terrible accident on the ground. But we've never lost an astronaut in flight; we've never had a tragedy like this. (6-7)
NASA's seen an explosion or two in its time, but this one is especially bad because it seemed like the mission was going perfectly until the moment it went absolutely haywire. It was a sudden and shocking turn of events.
Quote #4
We mourn seven heroes: Michael Smith, Dick Scobee, Judith Resnik, Ronald McNair, Ellison Onizuka, Gregory Jarvis, and Christa McAuliffe. We mourn their loss as a nation together. (9-10)
There's a Snow White joke in here somewhere, but that would be tasteless. The Challenger Seven are named as much to identify them as to honor them. We mourn as a nation because it is with our united strength that we make it through sadness and press on.
Quote #5
For the families of the seven, we cannot bear, as you do, the full impact of this tragedy. But we feel the loss, and we're thinking about you so very much. (11-12)
This is sort of like Reagan delivered a very tasteful sympathy card or dropped off a freshly baked tuna casserole to the surviving family members. He's offering his condolences.