AJR80

A Joint Resolution designating February 6th of each year as Ronald Reagan Day in the State of New Jersey in recognition of his many outstanding contributions to this Nation.

Whereas, February 6, 2006 marked the 95th birthday of Ronald Wilson Reagan, fortieth President of the United States, and an uncommonly important political figure in American history, who at the end of his two terms of office had fulfilled his campaign pledge of 1980 to restore "the great, confident roar of American progress and growth and optimism;" and

Whereas, Ronald Reagan, a man of humble background, worked throughout his life preserving freedom and advancing the public good, having been employed as an entertainer, union leader, corporate spokesman, Governor of California and President of the United States; and

Whereas, In 1981, when Ronald Reagan was first inaugurated President, he inherited a disillusioned nation shackled by rampant inflation and high unemployment; and

Whereas, On March 30, 1981, President Reagan was shot by a would-be assassin, but quickly recovered and returned to duty, showing a grace and wit during this dangerous ordeal that endeared him to millions of his fellow countrymen; and

Whereas, In his second term, Ronald Reagan was victorious in 49 of the 50 states in the general election, earning the confidence of 3/5 of the electorate - a record unsurpassed in the history of American presidential elections; and

Whereas, During Mr. Reagan's presidency, he worked in a bipartisan manner to enact his bold agenda of restoring accountability and common sense to government, which led to an unprecedented economic expansion and opportunity for millions of Americans; and

Whereas, President Reagan's commitment to an active social policy agenda for the nation's children helped lower crime and drug use in our neighborhoods; and

Whereas, President Reagan's commitment to our armed forces contributed to the restoration of pride in America, her values and those cherished by the free world, and prepared America's armed forces to win the Gulf War; and

Whereas, President Reagan's vision of "peace through strength" led to the end of the Cold War and the ultimate demise of the Soviet Union, guaranteeing basic human rights of millions of people; and

Whereas, After leaving office, President Reagan bravely battled the effects of Alzheimer's disease, joining the millions of Americans afflicted with that disease; and

Whereas, All Americans should take time to dedicate themselves to Ronald Reagan's vision of a nation where we have "every right to dream heroic dreams," and lead lives that are "a statement and not an apology;" and

Whereas, It is fitting and proper for the State of New Jersey to honor President Reagan for his many outstanding contributions to America; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. February 6th of each year is designated as Ronald Reagan Day in the State of New Jersey in recognition of his many outstanding contributions to this Nation.

2. The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation and call upon public officials, private organizations and all citizens of this State to observe this celebration each year with appropriate events and activities.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This Joint Resolution declares February 6th of each year as Ronald Reagan Day in the State of New Jersey. Ronald Reagan was a man of humble background, who worked throughout his life preserving freedom and advancing the public good. As an important political figure in American History, Ronald Reagan helped restore pride in America, her values and those cherished by the free world. It is fitting and proper for the State of New Jersey to honor President Reagan for his many outstanding contributions to America.