Eureka in Woodford County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Ronald Reagan
Class of 1932
| | President of the United States of America 1981-1989 | |
Photographed by Jason Voigt, February 23, 2025
1. Ronald Reagan Marker
(front:)
Peace is not the absence of conflict but the ability to cope with conflict by peaceful means
On May 9, 1982, President Reagan delivered a major foreign policy address on the Eureka College campus on the fiftieth anniversary of his graduation. Known as the Eureka Speech, it challenged the Soviet Union to a new era of negotiations to reduce nuclear arms and was heralded as the beginning of the end of the Cold War.
(left side:)
"I hope the commencement today will also mark the commencement of a new era. A new start toward a more peaceful and secure world."
(back:)
"I believe that it will be possible to reduce the risks of war by removing the instabilities that now exist and by dismantling the nuclear menace"
(right side:)
"My duty a President is to ensure that the ultimate nightmare never occurs, that the prairies and the cities and the people who inhabit them remain free and untouched by nuclear conflict."
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • War, Cold. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #40 Ronald Reagan series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 9, 1982.
Location. 40° 42.824′ N, 89°
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Illinois River Valley and in Greater Peoria. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Berlin Wall (here, next to this marker); The Recruiting Elm (a few steps from this marker); Site of Speeches by Douglas and Lincoln (approx. 7.1 miles away); Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District (approx. 7.1 miles away); Illinois Remembers POW/MIA (approx. 7.1 miles away); Stevenson House (approx. 7.2 miles away); Metamora (Illinois) Honor Roll (approx. 7.2 miles away); Civil War Memorial (approx. 7.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Eureka.
Also see . . . Ronald Reagan on Wikipedia. Reagan graduated from Eureka College in 1932 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. This was his highest level of education. Reagan was considered a mediocre student; however, he was very active in numerous campus activities and sports. He served as student body president and he participated in a student strike that resulted in the college president's resignation. (Submitted on March 3, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
Photographed by Jason Voigt, February 23, 2025
2. Ronald Reagan Marker
left side
Photographed by Jason Voigt, February 23, 2025
3. Ronald Reagan Marker
back of monument
Photographed by Jason Voigt, February 23, 2025
4. Ronald Reagan Marker
right side
Photographed by Jason Voigt, February 23, 2025
5. Ronald Reagan monument
Located at Eureka College
Credits. This page was last revised on March 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 3, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 175 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 3, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
