REAGAN LIBRARY DISPLAYS BIRTHDAY CARDS; NOTES FROM ACROSS U.S. EXPRESS THANKS.Byline: Kevin F. Sherry Daily News Staff Writer The accolades came from across the country, from young and old, in crayon crayon, any drawing material available in stick form. The term includes charcoal, conte crayon, chalk, pastel, grease crayon, litho crayon, and children's wax colors. and pen. Plastered across the lobby of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Center for Public Affairs and Museum were hundreds of postcards from places like Fairfield, Mont., and Hudson, Ill. In a hundred different ways, they all had the same message for the former president: happy birthday. Reagan, who turned 88 years old on Saturday, clearly remained in the thoughts and prayers of many people who took the time to wish him well. Many simply expressed gratitude for what Reagan had done for the country during his eight years in the White House. ``When this country needed you, you were there,'' read one card. ``You upheld the standards of a United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. president, and we were proud of you.'' Some cards recalled moments when the writer had briefly met Reagan, either when he was president or governor of California The Governor of California is the highest executive authority in the state government, whose responsibilities include making yearly "State of the State" addresses to the California State Legislature, submitting the budget, and ensuring that state laws are enforced. . One writer recalled a time 50 years ago when he talked with Reagan about buying a horse. The postcard campaign and display was sponsored by the museum's foundation and touched on political issues past and present. ``Our world seemed to swing steadily right; hope was there every morning,'' wrote Helen V.W. Bisgrove. ``Dignity and kindness were evident in everything you did in our name.'' Keith Wallace wrote, ``Thank you, Mr. President Mr. President can refer to:
Others turned their attention to the current situation in Washington. ``It is too bad that the current Congress does not follow your guiding principles,'' wrote San Diego San Diego (săn dēā`gō), city (1990 pop. 1,110,549), seat of San Diego co., S Calif., on San Diego Bay; inc. 1850. San Diego includes the unincorporated communities of La Jolla and Spring Valley. Coronado is across the bay. resident Dwight Bennett. Added another writer: ``I wish you could be president again and bring ethics and sanity to our present presidential situation. We all miss what you and Nancy stand for.'' At least one writer signed on her husband's behalf and wrote that he, like the former president, suffers from Alzheimer's disease Alzheimer's disease (ăls`hī'mərz, ôls–), degenerative disease of nerve cells in the cerebral cortex that leads to atrophy of the brain and senile dementia. . Girl Scout Troop 915 designed a 20-foot banner covered with jelly beans jelly beans traditional treat for children on Easter Sunday; symbolize eggs. [Pop. Culture: Misc.] See : Easter for visitors to the museum to add their own comments. Saturday's birthday celebration included cake for visitors. The birthday postcard display may be removed this week. ``Feliz cumpleanos, Senor Presidente,'' wrote one well-wisher from Northridge. CAPTION(S): 2 Photos PHOTO (1--Color) One of a multitude of birthday greetings on display at the Ronald Reagan Library carries the best wishes of students from Wood Ranch Elementary. Reagan was born Feb. 6, 1911. (2) Jennifer Mitchell, 14, writes on a giant birthday card made by Girl Scouts for ex-President Reagan. Joe Binoya/Special to the Daily News |
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