Live Auction Tuesday, October 30, 2007 at 10AM:
2. President Ronald Reagan Autographed Alzheimer’s Letter, 1994
Ronald Wilson Reagan (February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004) was the 40th President of
the United States (1981 – 1989) and the 33rd Governor of California (1967 –
1975). Born in Illinois, Reagan moved to Hollywood in the 1930s, where he became
an actor, President of the Screen Actor's Guild and a spokesman for General
Electric. Reagan was a prominent New Deal Democrat until switching parties in
1962, becoming a Republican. After delivering his famous "Time for Choosing"
speech, he was persuaded to seek the California Governorship, which he won in
1966 and again in 1970. Defeated for the Republican presidential nomination in
1968 and 1976, he won the nomination, as well as the election, in 1980.
I have recently been told that I am one of the millions of Americans who will be
afflicted with Alzheimer's disease. Upon learning this news, Nancy and I had to
decide whether as private citizens we would keep this a private matter or
whether we would make this news known in a public way.
The impact of Ronald Reagan on the American political landscape is beyond
question, and his influence on world politics profound. In eight years Ronald
Reagan and his administration redefined and inspired conservatism in America,
broadening its appeal from exclusive country clubs to main street USA.
Reagan was known as “The Great Communicator” for his ability to appeal to people
across the political spectrum, and his ‘man of the people’ persona inspired the
best in almost everyone. Debate still rages over his economic policies, but his
popularity was rarely in question. Good approval ratings combined with an
increasingly stronger economy gave Reagan political capital that could be spent
at home and abroad.
A tireless opponent of communism, Reagan rejected notions of détente and
containment in favor of confrontation. After christening the Soviet Union an
“Evil Empire,” Reagan challenged Soviet Premier Gorbachev to “tear down this
wall” in his famous speech near Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate in 1987. Two years
later, the wall would crumble and former British Prime Minister Margaret
Thatcher would credit Reagan with engineering the final fall of Soviet
Communism.
So now, we feel it is important to share it with you. In opening our hearts, we
hope this might promote greater awareness of this condition. Perhaps it will
encourage a clearer understanding of the individuals and families who are
affected by it.
A prolific letter writer, Reagan composed a dignified message to the American
people on November 5, 1994, announcing his condition. Nancy confirms that he
just sat down and wrote the letter with no drafts. He closed with words
that even a casual observer of the “Great Communicator” would have expected: “In
closing let me thank you, the American people, for giving me the great honor of
allowing me to serve as your president. When the Lord calls me home, whenever
that may be, I will leave with the greatest love for this country of ours and
eternal optimism for its future.”
Signature in blue felt tip to upper right.
Condition Report: Excellent, bright signature
Size: 8.5 x 11 in. (21.6 x 27.9 cm.)
Provenance: Profiles in History
Estimate: $5,000 - 10,000
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