Reagan Library

Simi Valley, California

I made a trip to the Reagan Library recently and was pleasantly surprised by the crowds in attendance. From the parking lots to the shops to the ticket line to the various exhibits including the Air Force One hanger, the crowds were amazing. I went on a typical Saturday morning and the weather was beautiful that day. I really enjoyed being there and want to share with you my trip and some of my thoughts on a great President and a great American.

-Jun. 2007

• The Oval Office

• Air Force One Exhibit (most popular at the museum)

• A piece of the Berlin Wall that Reagan help bring down.

• Ronald Reagan's resting place. The inscription on the wall reads "I know in my heart that Man is good That what is right will eventually triumph and that there is purpose and worth to each and every life"

• A sample page of his diary.

• A full size bronze statue of Reagan.

• Long line leading to Air Force One...

• Reagan was a Democrat in his early years in Hollywood but later converted to a Republican after being the President of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and having first hand dealings with the Unions.
• He was a lifeguard in high school and saved a life from drowning.
• He has a penpal that he writes to on a regular basis even while being President.
• He kept a diary everyday while in office - all 8 years.
• He traveled around the US and spoke to many Americans while working for GE (General Electric).
• He was a prolific writer and often wrote his own speeches.
• He was a religious man but never attended church services during the 8 years in the White House. His reason given was that the Security measures would interfere with the congregation.
• He had such respect for the Office of the Presidency that he always insisted on wearing a jacket and tie in the Oval Office.

Nancy Reagan was a devoted and loving wife of Ronald Reagan. A part of the museum featured her many dresses and gowns. However, the most endearing part about Mrs. Reagan is how she loved and cared for Mr. Reagan in his later years. After he came down with Alzheimer disease, she took care of him at home for years till his death. In sickness and in health... She took those vows and she lived it and honored it and God Bless her.

• Fall of the Soviet Empire Along with Pope John Paul II and Margaret Thatcher.
• Star Wars anti missile defense system.
• Tax rate cuts for the middle class. Trickle down theory of economic prosperity.
• American Supremacy and optimism - shining City on the Hill.
• Supports Freedom and Democracy as the last best hope for Mankind.
• Peace through strength.

My final thoughts on Reagan is that he did a lot for mankind. He was humble but he had basic principles. He was an optimist and he believed in America and freedom. He was by no means a perfect man. His failings are small by comparison. His accomplishments has long lasting effect not only on the US but on the whole world. In my personal opinion, he was cheated out of the Nobel peace prize. If anyone in the 20th century deserve it, it would be Ronald Reagan.

The information are out there in print. Go read it and learn about this great man.

Ronald Wilson Reagan - May you rest in peace.

There is a large collection of souvenirs from the Reagan Museum Shop. Here is my favorite T shirt -