Ronald Reagan was not what many expected as far as a president, yet he outlasted and persevered through some of the most trying times in American history since the 1960's. Upon his election, he was handed a problem from the previous administration. The United States Embassy in Iran had been attacked and overrun by radical militants ("students", yeah ok). For over a year, sixty Americans were held hostage by these militants.

There was a failed attempt at a rescue, dubbed Operation Eagle Claw. It was not successful and was the cause of much embarrassment to Jimmy Carter. We're not here to talk about Jimmy Carter though because he royally ducked up that whole situation. Rather we're going to talk about Ronald Reagan's inaugural address. Ronald Reagan emphatically addressed the situation in Iran with stern resolve stating;

"Above all, we must realize that no arsenal or no weapon in the arsenals of the world is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women. It is a weapon our adversaries in today's world do not have. It is a weapon that we as Americans do have. Let that be understood by those who practice terrorism and prey upon their neighbors."

Although, he had addressed the actions of the terrorists in Iran holding our people hostage, this part of the speech defines what the United States of America always strives to fight for. The ideals of freedom and liberty from oppression. We may stumble and fall, but to Ronald Reagan, he saw past our failures as a nation and encouraged us to be the city on a hill, an example for all to see. We will live in peace with all men, except those who wish to rob people of their liberties. Through his speech, he demonstrated the resolve of a nation to not be bullied or intimidated.

MORE STORIES OF AMERICAN GRIT:

RISING ABOVE HARDSHIP: JOSE LUIS SANCHEZ

B.P. MCCOY: MODERN LEADERSHIP

MICHAEL MURPHY: WHAT HEROES ARE MADE OF