Peoria Standard

Illinois native Ronald Wilson Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, is remembered as a prominent figure in American history. Born in the small village of Tampico in Whiteside County in 1911, Reagan's journey from humble beginnings to the highest office in the land is an inspiration to many. He served as President from 1981 to 1989 and left a lasting impact on the nation.

Reagan's early life was marked by poverty and constant relocation. His family, including parents Jack and Nelle and older brother Neil, moved several times before settling in Dixon in 1920. Reagan attended high school in Dixon and went on to graduate from Eureka College in 1932. He excelled both academically and athletically, participating in football, track, swimming, and drama society. Reagan's leadership abilities were evident even during his college years when he was elected class president.

After college, Reagan began his career as a sports broadcaster in Iowa before his talent as an actor led him to Hollywood. Over the next two decades, he appeared in 53 films, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. However, Reagan's journey was not limited to acting. In 1937, he enlisted in the United States Army Reserve and served as a public relations officer during World War II. Reagan's military career also included producing over 400 training films.

Reagan's personal life was characterized by two marriages. His first marriage to actress Jane Wyman ended in divorce in 1948. Reagan then met his second wife, actress Nancy Davis, during his time as president of the Screen Actors Guild. They married in 1952 and had two children, Ron and Patti. Nancy Reagan played a significant role as the First Lady, particularly in her efforts to combat drug and alcohol abuse among young people through her "Just Say No" campaign.

Reagan's political career began to take shape in the 1960s when he shifted his political leanings from Democratic to Republican. He served as Governor of California from 1967 to 1975 before running for President. Although he faced initial challenges, Reagan's perseverance paid off, and he won the Republican nomination in 1980. In the general election, Reagan defeated the incumbent President Jimmy Carter in a landslide victory.

During his presidency, Reagan implemented economic policies known as "Reaganomics," which led to a resurgence in the U.S. economy. He also made significant contributions to foreign policy, including the revival of talks with the Soviet Union that eventually led to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War. Reagan's presidency was not without challenges, as he survived an assassination attempt in 1981. Despite this, he continued to lead the nation with conviction and resilience.

After leaving office, Reagan and Nancy returned to California, where he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 1994. He passed away on June 4, 2004, at the age of 93. Nancy Reagan, his devoted wife of 52 years, continued to champion causes close to her heart until her passing in 2016.

In Illinois, Reagan's memory and legacy are cherished. The Ronald Reagan Trail, which winds through 13 towns that played a significant role in Reagan's life, serves as a testament to his connection with his home state. The Ronald Reagan Museum and Peace Garden at Eureka College showcases his journey from student to actor to President. Additionally, Reagan is honored in his birthplace of Tampico and his adopted hometown of Dixon, where his childhood home has been restored and is open for tours.

Ronald Reagan's impact on American politics and society is undeniable. His journey from a small town in Illinois to the White House serves as an inspiration to many. As the nation remembers Ronald Reagan, his legacy continues to shape the future of Illinois and the United States.