Rest in Peace, Mr. Reagan

1911– 2004

Ronald Reagan was the President of the United States from 1981 to 1989. He was the first president that I remember getting elected during my childhood, and he served his terms before I understood politics. I was sad to hear of his passing this week.

Tomorrow has been declared a National Day of Mourning for Reagan, the first I'll ever experience for a former President. Reagan's boyhood home in Dixon, Illinois is only a couple of hours from where I live.

I watched part of the state funeral broadcast on TV yesterday. I had a lump in my throat watching his wife Nancy at his casket in the Rotunda.

"In the Rotunda, she approached the casket again and lingered, patting and stroking the top, finally turning away."

Rest in peace, Mr. Reagan. •

On the Web

Ronald Reagan Biography from the White House
"Overall, the Reagan years saw a restoration of prosperity, and the goal of peace through strength seemed to be within grasp."

Ronald Reagan Jelly Belly® Bean Art Gallery
Reagan is credited for helping make Jelly Belly Beans famous. "[Jelly Belly] came to Mr. Reagan's attention during his term as Governor of California when he ate jelly beans to help him stop smoking. His love of Jelly Belly beans continued during his terms in the White House."

Reagan Grew Up in Dixon, Illinois
"The Reagan family's first home in Dixon was located at 816 S. Hennepin Avenue, now the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home."