SIMI VALLEY, Calif. -- He touched the lives of millions of Americans, brought the major industrial nations together and launched a new revolution while defending the U.S. during our country’s greatest decline.
Ronald Reagan helped our nation embark on the longest peacetime in its economic history and is still recognized today for greatly serving his country.
February 6 marked Reagan’s 100th birthday and the grand re-opening of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. Nancy Reagan, former first lady, greeted the crowd of more than 1,500 actors, musicians, former advisors, friends and Camp Pendleton Marines during the celebration and ceremonial wreath laying.
“I know that Ronnie would be thrilled,” said Reagan, “and is thrilled, to have all of you share in his 100th birthday.”
From radio announcer and movie star, to corporate ambassador and finally to President of the United States, Ronald Reagan lead a full life of accomplishments.
“Reagan’s Revolution did not end when he left office 22 years ago or when he left Nancy and all of us on June 5, 2004,” said Former Cabinet secretary James Baker III. “[Reagan] symbolized America’s optimism, as absolutely nothing could keep this unmistakable man down—not the hard times, not the criticisms, not an assassin’s bullet.”
The centennial celebration was not only about his accomplishments, but how they continue to affect America today and will in years to come.
“But today, on his birthday, we should do more than just talk about history,” said Baker. “We should look to the future, because that’s what Ronald Reagan did. He always believed that the best days were still to come for this ‘shining city on the hill’ that is America.”
Nancy Reagan; Col. Nicholas F. Marano, commanding officer, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton; Lt. Gen. George Flynn, commanding general, Marine Corps Combat Development Command; and former Secretary of State, James Baker, placed the wreath on the former president’s gravesite. Following the wreath laying, the Camp Pendleton’s 5th Battalion, 11th Marines Artillery Unit conducted a 21-gun salute with 105 Howitzer Saluting Battery fire.
Special guests, including actor Gary Sinise, and Fred Ryan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, both spoke in honor of Reagan’s pastimes, accomplishments and the effect he still has on today’s society.
Following the centennial celebration, the grand re-opening of the library was announced with Nancy Reagan doing the honors of cutting the ribbon and an explosion of red, white and blue confetti filled the air to mark the occasion.
“The lessons Ronald Reagan taught us about freedom, self-reliance and common sense remain as true today as they were then,” said Baker. “Like Ronald Reagan, we should focus with laser-like attention on our economy, the bedrock of our domestic and international strength.”