After eleven days at sea, the travelers who joined Young America’s Foundation’s leadership team and high caliber of speakers on a European cruise reached London.  There, Lady Margaret Thatcher spent an evening greeting the participants during a formal reception at the famed Simpsons-in-the-Strand restaurant in London. 

Those supporters of the Reagan Ranch have long followed the relationship between President Reagan and Prime Minister Thatcher.  Having the opportunity to thank her for her role in expanding freedom was a rare opportunity. “We were honored to be able to meet her in person,” said one supporter of the meaningful experience.

Thatcher joined distinguished speakers including Conservative Member of the European Parliament Daniel Hannan; 75^th U.S. Attorney General Ed Meese and his wife, Ursula; Hillsdale College historian and free enterprise expert Burt Folsom and his wife, Anita; National Review editor-at-large and author John O’Sullivan; and columnist and author Tony Blankley for educational sessions while at-sea on the cruise.

Another highlight of the voyage included a stop in Normandy on D-Day where travelers had a chance to place flowers next to the graves of soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty during that fateful battle in 1944.  Travelers saw the famous Pointe Du Hoc, where Ronald Reagan in 1984, placed a wreath and said,

And the American Rangers began to climb.  They shot rope ladders over the face of these cliffs and began to pull themselves up.  When one Ranger fell, another would take his place.  When one rope was cut, a Ranger would grab another and begin his climb again.  They climbed, shot back, and held their footing.  Soon, one by one, the Rangers pulled themselves over the top.  And in seizing the firm land at the top of these cliffs, they began to seize back the continent of Europe.

The more than 100 participants visited historic sites in Spain, Portugal, France, and England.  Together, they conversed about current events, shared ideas for conservative victories, strategized on how best to reach young people, enjoyed discussing Ronald Reagan and the ideas of freedom, and rekindled and developed friendships with old and new friends alike.

Young America’s Foundation is planning a very special cruise in 2011 to commemorate Ronald Reagan’s 100^th birthday with a cruise to the Emerald Isles.  The Crystal Cruise will take place July 22-August 2, 2011, and includes speakers such as economist Dr. Walter Williams, Reagan biographer Steven Hayward, and 75^th U.S. Attorney General Ed Meese.  To join in on the next cruise , call or email Nicole Hoplin at 800-USA-1776 or nhoplin@yaf.org for a detailed brochure.