Strasbourg Medal
Artifact ID1985.00496.02
Object Type
Medal, Commemorative
Date
1985
Medium
Metal (bronze)
Dimensions2649 5/8 in. (67.3 m)
Physical DescriptionThis is a bronze commemorative medallion. On the obverse, there is an image depicting a cathedral and the text “STRASBOURG.” On the verso, there is an image of three industrial buildings and a ring of stars along with the text “PORTE DE FRANCE, VILLE D'EUROPE.” On the outside edge of the medallion, there is engraved text stating "President Ronald Reagan 8 MAI 1985."Historical NoteOn May 8, 1985, President Reagan visited Strasbourg, Franceas part of his European trip, which included economic summit in Bonn, Germany and state visits to Germany, Spain, and Portugal. In Strasbourg he spoke at a Special Session of the European Parliament in the assembly chamber at the Palais de l'Europe to mark the 40th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. President Reagan said, "On that day 40 years ago, I was at my post in an Army Air Corps installation in Culver City, California. Passing a radio, I heard the words, ``Ladies and gentlemen, the war in Europe is over.'' I felt a chill, as if a gust of cold wind had just swept past, and even though for America there was still a war in the Pacific front, I realized I would never forget that moment. This day can't help but be emotional, for in it we feel the long tug of memory." The medal was given to him by the mayor of Strasbourg during a lunch at Palais des Cardinaux de Rohan is engraved to commemorate the speech.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Ronald Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Foreign Officials (National Archives Identifier 6816364)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Country/CultureFranceIn Collection(s)