Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Simi Valley, California
Monday, June 25, 2018
Clear, 72°
"And as we liftoff aboard Air Force One…the winds of freedom will be propelling my mission… As I fly westward over our majestic land, I go knowing that we´re witnessing an awakening to those self–evident truths to which our forefathers pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor." – Ronald Reagan, April 23, 1986
Presidential Library Sign
Perched on a mountaintop with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, valleys and the Pacific Ocean, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is one of California's most beautiful and unique destinations. The Library's 300 acre site, about 45 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), represents the "shining city on a hill" often referenced by President Reagan and appropriately serves as the final resting place of the nation's 40th President.
Climbing the hill and looking for a place to park the RV was not easy. The lots are for regular vehicles and it appeared that buses and RV’s were to park on the long winding hill leading up to the main buildings. Since it was still early in the morning, the parking lots were not very full so I looked for a place away from the cars already in the parking lot and found a place at the end of one lot and parked cross lane taking up three spots. I could see a security officer heading toward the RV and knew he was not going to let me stay parked in those three spots. He introduced himself as Tim, and talking with him, he suggested since we were in the far end of the lot that I could back into one spot, have the carrier on the back of the RV go over the sidewalk past the bushes and the wheels back up to the curb, I would be fine in the front and blocking the sidewalk would not matter since it was the last spot.
Tim walked with us from the parking lot to the main entrance talking about the exhibits, the things to see, and the final resting place for the Reagan's. When Tim was a boy, his dad, who was a veteran, received a medal from President Reagan. Tim was also a veteran and worked for many years with the border patrol. Every one of the volunteers was knowledgeable and answered questions providing information about Reagan and his family from his early acting career to his time as California’s Governor and his Presidency.
About Ronald Reagan
This is a fitting tribute to one of our greatest presidents, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is in a class by itself.
Ronald and Nancy Reagan statue
There are some great exhibits, including an exact replica of the Oval Office,
Oval Office Panorama
Oval Office Rug with Seal
artifacts from Reagan's boyhood, and some particularly superb sections covering highlights from his presidency.
They know their president and are both enthusiastic and approachable, filled with anecdotes of the “Gipper” and of the museum itself.
The star of the show is Air Force One, but what sets the museum apart is its wonderful staff of volunteer docents.
Air Force One Sign
This Flying White House, tail number 27000, served seven U.S Presidents from 1973 to 2001, including Presidents Nixon, Carter, Ford, Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Clinton and George W. Bush.
Air Force One and Motorcade vehicles
For Ronald Reagan, this was the plane in which he hand-wrote many of his speeches, signed important legislation and even officially started the Daytona Beach, Florida NASCAR race via phone.
Air Force One Cockpit Area
In the Air Force One Pavilion there is also a famous helicopter with Presidential ties.
Marine One Welcome Aboard
Marine One is the call sign given to helicopters that transport the President and are operated by US Marine Corps Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) “Nighthawks“.
Marine One
This example is a 1962 Sikorsky VH-3A Sea King (tail number 150611) that was retired in 2002.
Presidential Seal on Marine One
It sits below the much larger Air Force One in the museum.
While on-site, although the cafeterias aren't going to be winning a Michelin star in the near future, they offer a good variety of options at a decent price. Grab lunch in the Ronald Reagan Pub (an Irish pub from Ballyporeen where Ronald Reagan sank a pint of Smithwicks during one of his presidential visits to Ireland) or the Reagan’s Country Café. After lunch, find a spot on the back terrace, overlooking a replica of the South Lawn with a great view of the hills beyond.
In this area, there is also a piece of the “Berlin Wall” reminding us how instrumental Reagan was in ending the “Cold War” with Russia.
Berlin Wall East Side
It is a very sobering site to think of what went on during those years.
Berlin Wall West Side
The last place we visited was the final resting place of Ronald and Nancy Reagan.
Ronald and Nancy Reagan Final Resting Place
It is just off the “South Lawn,” facing the west and bearing a quote from the President stating his belief that "I know in my heart that man is good, that what is right will always eventually triumph, and there is purpose and worth to each and every life."
Ronald and Nancy Reagan Burial Marker
The library showcases a great President, an inspiring story, and a museum that brings history to life.