10th Anniversary of Ronald Reagan's Death

Above, Ronald and Nancy Reagan at LAX after returning to Los Angeles following
 the 1980 Republican National Convention in Detroit. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Ten years ago today, the fortieth President of the United States, Ronald Reagan died from complications (pneumonia) of Alzheimer's Disease at his Bel Air home in California. He was 93.

It is hard to believe that ten years have passed.  It was a Saturday and I was watching television when the bulletin of Reagan's passing came on. I put a blank tape into the VCR so the bulletins can be recorded.

Reagan endured the disease for about ten years before passing. The news of his death brought back many memories. They included attending many of his speeches while he was governor of California; working in his 1976, 1980 and 1984 campaigns for president; serving as  a California delegate to the 1976 and 1980 Republican National Conventions and as an alternate California delegate at the 1984 Republican National Convention; meeting him at the opening of the headquarters of his Citizens for the Republic political action committee; and going to a White House reception with fellow members of the California Delegation in June 1982.

I have a collection of photographs and negatives of Reagan that I took over those years. I am debating whether to pass them on to my daughter or donate them to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. I haven't made up my mind on that as yet.

During the days that followed Reagan's death, the outpouring of affection by ordinary citizens was a testiment to the fact that despite the best efforts by the liberal media to downgrade his presidency, the people weren't fooled. They knew then (as they know now) who had their best interests at heart. That is underscored when people compare Reagan's economic policies and foreign policy achievements to those of the current White House occupant's.

Reagan's years shine brighter to people as they endure the failings of the current administration. America can sure use another Reagan to clean up the mess this country's now in.

Just like in 1980.