The late former President Ronald Reagan was a major historical figure of the late 20th century, and his legacy is being celebrated by marking what would have been his 100th birthday.
On Feb. 6, Reagan’s Centennial Birthday Celebration was featured with streaming video of the celebration available by webcast. The celebration included musical entertainment starting at 10 a.m. eastern, followed by the official celebration opening, a 21-gun salute, an F-18 flyover, keynote remarks by Secretary James Baker, and an official laying-of-the-wreath on President Reagan’s memorial site.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Museum will feature their own centennial birthday celebration on Monday, Feb. 7 starting at 10 a.m. Visitors will be able to experience the newly renovated museum featuring new artifacts and interactive displays. Birthday cake will be served all day and patrons will be able to sign a tribute album, which will be kept at the Reagan Presidential Library.
The Reagan Library is also hosting a book signing on Monday featuring former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and wife Callista Gingrich. The photo book is titled, "Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny" and was officially released on Jan. 25.
Many private sectors are also honoring Reagan. The NFL honored him during the XLV Superbowl. HBO is featuring a Reagan documentary airing on Feb. 7. The University of Virginia will feature a Reagan Centennial Symposium at the National Press Club Feb. 10. Life Magazine will issue a special edition commemorating the life of Ronald Reagan.
Feb. 10 marks the official Reagan centennial postage stamp release, but it will only be available at the Reagan Presidential Library.
Finally, the Reagan Foundation’s final centennial event includes a celebration gala to be held May 2011. A bipartisan host committee of both congressional and business leaders will pay tribute to Reagan’s life and legacy.
Many who lived or grew up in the United States from 1981 to 1989 remember Reagan's frequent television addresses as well as his push to end communism through peaceful negotiations with former President of the USSR Mikhail Gorbachev. The efforts eventually led to the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the eventual end of Communist Party rule of Russia in 1991, bringing an official end to the Cold War.
