On January 1, 1983, President Ronald Reagan gave his “Radio Address to the Nation on New Year’s Day” to wish Americans a Happy New Year and to warn against the dangers of drunk driving. Watch the video of President Reagan delivering the speech for radio above. It begins:
I’ve always thought New Year’s Day was an especially American tradition, full of the optimism and hope we’re famous for in our daily lives—an energy and confidence we call the American spirit.
Perhaps because we know we control our own destiny, we believe deep down inside that working together we can make each new year better than the old.
Although last night was one of parties, today is one of resolutions. Reviewing the old year, we try to decide what we can do better in the new. Most of us are with our families, near the warmth of the hearth, watching the parades with our children and football with our friends. Gathered together, we find strength and renewal.
But this special holiday time is tragically marred for too many of us. You may have spotted the reason on the road last night if you had to drive home: the drunk driver. …
Happy New Year! And please be safe – don’t drink and drive!
