Alessandra Bassani

Mr. Bless

AP Language and Composition

20 September 2017

Ronald Reagans Remarks on the 40th Anniversary of D-Day Speech Analysis

Ronald Reagan gave his speech called the Remarks on the 40th Anniversary of D-Day on

June 6, 1984 in Normandy. This speech was meant to appeal to the audience through pathos, as

he described the sacrifices the Allies made when they fought against the Axis powers, and how

many people gave up their lives for the freedom others enjoy today. This was achieved through

the use of many different rhetorical elements. For example, in the introduction of his speech,

Reagan uses both synecdoche and personification, to show the terror the people faced and their

hope for freedom. He stated how four long years ago, much of Europe had been under a terrible

shadow and the world prayed for its rescue. The shadow was meant to represent war and the

violence that occurred due to the invasion. The personification shows how everyone hoped to be

liberated from the terror. In addition, synecdoche was used when Reagan described how the

Allies had been told that some of the mightiest of these guns were here. The guns represent the

army that the Allies were going to have to fight against. Other than synecdoche, the elements of

repetition, anaphora, and parallel structure added to the meaning of his speech. This can be seen

when Reagan said when one Ranger fell, another would take his place. When one rope was cut,

a Ranger would grab another and begin his climb again. This parallel structure was effective in

allowing his audience to see the determination the Allies had to liberate Normandy, and how

countless people put their lives at risk because of it. Anaphora was also used when Reagan

recounted how these are the boys of Pointe du Hoc. These are the men who took the cliffs.
These are the champions who helped free a continent. This repetition shows how the Rangers in

the memorial were courageous and how they should be remembered for everything they did to

achieve the freedom that is enjoyed today. This was due to the fact that the the men of

Normandy had faith that what they were doing was right, faith that they fought for all humanity,

faith that a God would grant them mercy. This parallel structure enables the audience to see the

dedication the Allies had towards liberation, and how faith allowed them to succeed. One last

example of parallel structure is when Reagan stated how when the war was over, there were

lives to be rebuilt and governments to be returned to the people. There were nations to be reborn.

And above all there was a new peace to be assured. This repetition focuses on the outcomes of

the war, and the things that needed to be done for the people, since it would lead to true freedom.

Other than repetition, there is a biblical allusion in the speech, which was a promise God made to

Joshua. It states how God will not fail thee nor forsake thee. This is what General Matthew

Ridgway remembered and listened to the night before the invasion of Normandy, and it helped

him overcome any doubts he might have had. By including this in his speech, Reagan allows the

audience to see how many people were uneasy about the invasion, but they still acted against the

Axis powers despite this. Lastly, Reagan used a lot of imagery to try and enlighten his audience

about what really happened on D-Day. He described how the air was dense with smoke and the

cries of men, and the air was filled with the crack of rifle fire and the roar of cannon. The

imagery is very descriptive and enables the audience to envision the horror that occurred on this

day. Throughout the speech, all of these rhetorical elements help the audience better understand

the heroes that put their lives at risk for the betterment of the people in Normandy and elsewhere.

When Reagan read this speech, he paused after certain sections and maintained a serious tone,

which was all done to pay respect to those who fought during the war. He also periodically
looked up at the audience to emphasis certain points. Ronald Reagan effectively conveyed the

bravery of those who fought in the D-Day invasion, and his speech showed how he and everyone

around the world respected and continue to respect the sacrifices these heroes made.