Chapter 17

The Ronald Reagan administration stood for resolve, sacrifice and hope for the greater good.  Mom and I had the opportunity to visit the Presidential Library of Ronald Reagan on our trip up the coast to the California Missions.  Spur of the moment, we realized we were in Simi Valley and opted to follow the signs off El Camino Real.  I was surprised to realize how much Mom and I both wanted to see the library, even our willingness to sacrifice some of our "Mission Time".


We visiting the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library during the year of its Centennial: August 4, 2011.

 I can't recall ever being inside a Presidential Library.  I was glad in that I didn't have a point of comparison, but I'm pretty sure that even if I had been in another library my feelings would have been the same - sheer awe at the magnitude of items on display as well as the emotion and vigor I felt being in Ronald Reagan's legacy. Having been an 80's baby, I can vaguely recall Ronald Reagan as President.  I do recall visiting the State Capital in Sacramento, California, when I was in 4th grade and the tour guide reflecting on a picture of when Ronald Reagan was governor - it had been slashed with a knife by an angry protestor and later repaired. The unique story is probably why I remembered it.  Visiting the library as an adult gave me a greater grasp on why the times were so difficult, and why Ronald Reagan as President had made such a phenomenal difference, especially in the morale of the nation.

Most poignantly, I think that it helped me to glimpse hope that we, too, will move out of these dark days of our country and into something greater, but I must do my part.  Tightening my built, working hard, bonding together with my community and fighting like 'mad' to preserve the integrity and spirit of our country.  I guess the question is HOW will I do that?  What can I do to make a change?  Being so behind in life, I'm wondering if I'll be able to catch up, make large strides toward my own calling.  I think I just need a place to start, I suppose.

Mom and I standing with the "Gipper" himself, outside
of the entrance to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
in Simi Valley, CA (8/4/11).

Ronald  Reagan's legacy of hard work, discipline and American spirit truly challenged me to make my own differences, to follow in the footsteps of those great ones who moved the nation while I was still a young contributor.  Considering his legacy, and keeping in mind the young Americans who are just children now, it makes me want to take such strides in the direction that will preserve our nations foundation for them, so that they too will someday find my footsteps as ones to follow, as I do of Ronald Reagan.

The Library had phenomenal points of interest including an example of the Oval Office while occupied by
President Ronald Reagan.

"There is no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he doesn't mind who gets the credit." - Ronald Reagan

The first lady, Mrs. Nancy Reagan.

Air Force 1 - the Presidential Airplane.  We were able to walk through it as well - that will probably be the closest I ever get!

Air Force 1 overlooking Simi Valley.  It felt as if you were soaring with the plane.  Cars and other pieces of the motorcade below, including the Presidential Helicopter.

Mom says that this is her favorite picture of herself.  Boo.

About to board Air Force 1 - at the Ronald Reagan  Presidential Library (8/4/11).

Underneath Air Force 1, looking out over Simi Valley. What a wonderful place to put your Presidential Library.

A view from the outside looking in.  Air Force 1 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

"Live the Legacy"

With the President - we had watched the funeral on television in 2004.  Incredible to be standing where we had watched.

Mom and I with President Ronald Reagan (8/4/11).

Looking out over Simi Valley into the gardens at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, CA.