Opinion: How will you celebrate Ronald Reagan Day?

PROCLAMATIONIn both of his Presidential Inaugural Addresses, Ronald Reagan spoke of heroes. He was not talking about the kinds we see in the movies, but about the kinds we see in our everyday lives: farmers, factory workers, doctors, entrepreneurs, families and others who work with a quiet devotion for the good of America and their fellowman. It was this same sense of devotion, service and faith in the decency of others and the ability of our country to overcome any challenge that likewise inspired Ronald Reagan. Born ninety-eight years ago in a small town in northwestern Illinois, his will to serve saw him rescue swimmers as a young lifeguard, create training films as a member of the Army Air Corp during World War II and work as President of the Screen Actors Guild. In 1966, he was elected Governor of California, and in 1980, President of the United States. Both of these roles saw him come to office in times of great adversity, but his leadership left our state and nation better and safer places than they were before. During our own times of adversity, I hope each of us can find in ourselves some of Ronald Reagan’s optimism and commitment to service. His was a spirit that crushed the Cold War, renewed our nation and faced an unknown future of Alzheimer’s disease with bravery. Letting that same spirit make a difference in our own lives and actions, is a fantastic and fitting tribute to this true American hero. NOW, THEREFORE, I, ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim February 6, 2009, as “Ronald Reagan Day” IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 5th day of February 2009.