Reflecting on the 59th Anniversary of Reagan’s ‘A Time for Choosing’
By
Charlie Jones, Program Officer for YAF Chapter Services
October 27, 2023
Today is a special day in American history, and especially an important day for those who loved President Ronald Reagan.
Few who have seen or heard it will ever forget it.
Fifty-nine years ago, on October 27, 1964, Ronald Reagan gave his famous “Time for Choosing” speech, a powerful appeal to America to reject Lyndon Johnson’s “Great Society” and support Barry Goldwater for President.
The audience in the room was filled with Young Americans for Freedom students and members. The speech was broadcast several times during the closing days of the Presidential race, and it was a key event that sparked young conservatives to join the Reagan Revolution.
It’s remarkable how relevant this pivotal speech is today.
YAF students pose with Young America’s Foundation President Governor Scott Walker in front of the Reagan Ranch. Through its preservation of Rancho del Cielo and the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home in Dixon, Illinois, and extensive programming for middle school, high school, and college students, YAF plays an instrumental role in sharing the legacy of President Ronald Reagan with young people across the country.
YAFers today are just as inspired by Ronald Reagan’s ‘Time for Choosing Speech’ as the YAFers who were in that room. The values he championed are timeless, and the call to action is just as relevant today as it was in 1964. We must continue to uphold and advocate for these values to ensure that “the last best hope of man on earth” continues to be just that for the next 59 years.