Changes

==Post-presidency==

==Post-presidency==

[[Image:5.jpg|left|thumb|300px|President Bush presents the Medal of Freedom Award to Former President Ronald Reagan in the East Room of the White House, 01/13/93]] Reagan retired to California. He would occasionally involve himself in politics, including a speech at the 1992 Republican National Convention. On January 13, 1993 President George H. W. Bush awarded Reagan the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Reagan was becoming increasingly forgetful. In 1994, he announced that he had been diagnosed with [[Alzheimer's disease]], a degenerative nerve disorder that annihilates the victim's mental capacity. He wrote the following letter to the American people concerning the disease.

[[Image:5.jpg|left|thumb|350px|President Bush presents the Medal of Freedom Award to Former President Ronald Reagan in the East Room of the White House, 01/13/93]] Reagan retired to California. He would occasionally involve himself in politics, including a speech at the 1992 Republican National Convention. On January 13, 1993 President George H. W. Bush awarded Reagan the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Reagan was becoming increasingly forgetful. In 1994, he announced that he had been diagnosed with [[Alzheimer's disease]], a degenerative nerve disorder that annihilates the victim's mental capacity.  

''I have recently been told that I am one of the millions of Americans who will be afflicted with Alzheimer's disease.''

'''He wrote the following letter to the American people concerning his 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.''

{{cquote|'''''I have recently been told that I am one of the millions of Americans who will be afflicted with Alzheimer's disease.'''''

''In the past, Nancy suffered from breast cancer and I had my cancer surgeries. We found through our open disclosures we were able to raise public awareness. We were happy that as a result many more people underwent testing.''

'''''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.'''''

''They were treated in early stages and we were able to return to normal, healthy lives.''

'''''In the past, Nancy suffered from breast cancer and I had my cancer surgeries. We found through our open disclosures we were able to raise public awareness. We were happy that as a result many more people underwent testing.'''''

''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.''

'''''They were treated in early stages and we were able to return to normal, healthy lives.'''''

''At the moment I feel just fine. I intend to live the remainder of the years God gives me on this earth doing the things I have always done. I will continue to share life's journey with my beloved Nancy and my family. I plan to enjoy the great outdoors and stay in touch with my friends and supporters.''

'''''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.'''''

''Unfortunately, as Alzheimer's disease progresses, the family often bears a heavy burden. I only wish there was some way I could spare Nancy from this painful experience. When the time comes, I am confident that with your help she will face it with faith and courage.''

'''''At the moment I feel just fine. I intend to live the remainder of the years God gives me on this earth doing the things I have always done. I will continue to share life's journey with my beloved Nancy and my family. I plan to enjoy the great outdoors and stay in touch with my friends and supporters.'''''

''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.''

'''''Unfortunately, as Alzheimer's disease progresses, the family often bears a heavy burden. I only wish there was some way I could spare Nancy from this painful experience. When the time comes, I am confident that with your help she will face it with faith and courage.'''''

''

I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life. I know that for America there will always be a bright dawn ahead.''

''Thank you, my friends. May God always bless you.''

'''''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.'''''

''Sincerely, Ronald Reagan''  

'''''I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life. I know that for America there will always be a bright dawn ahead.'''''

He died at his Bel-Air home on June 5, 2004 at age 93, making him the second-longest lived president in history.

 

 

He died at his [[Los Angeles|Bel Air]] home on June 5, 2004 at age 93, making him the second-longest lived president in history.

==Legacy==

==Legacy==