We mixed a little history in on our trip to LA for the UGA National Championship quest with a trip to the nearby Reagan presidential library and museum in Simi Valley, California.
I know in my heart that man is good. That what is right will always eventually triumph. And there is a purpose and worth to each and every life. Ronald Reagan’s remarks at the opening of his Presidential Library 11-4-91
During lunch we enjoyed the stunning view of the grounds and sweeping views of the hills and the distant Pacific Ocean.
We toured Air Force One and Marine One.
An actual section of the Berlin Wall commemorates Reagan’s famous “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall” speech. We checked to make sure, and the Gorbachev statue actually has the birthmark on his forehead.
The next exhibit will feature Auschwitz artifacts. This boxcar was powerful. Having been to Dachau, I hate that we missed this one.
In 1976, Joe was a member of the BSA “Report to the Nation” delegation and met president Ford in the oval office on the day of the New Hampshire primary. This picture of Reagan meeting a “Report to the Nation” delegation sparked joy and brought back old memories for him.
I wore a wore a similar POW bracelet for years – for Lt. Com. Porter Halyburton who spent 7.5 years as a POW. John McCain’s bracelet is the last one below.
As Joe Scarborough conveyed in his book “Reagan: His Political Life and Lasting Legacy”, Reagan focused on America’s glorious future, believed that America’s greatest days truly did lie ahead, and communicated his vision to his fellow citizens. He was a man for a certain time and place, and through him we came to believe that we could remake the world.
The next day, we took the bus to Sofi stadium in LA and the Dawgs did what we hoped and dreamed. They won the National Championship for the second straight year. Go Dawgs!
Next time we come to the LA area we would like to visit the Nixon library.