HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 130 Offered January 9, 2008 Prefiled January 8, 2008 Designating February 6, in 2008 and in each succeeding year, as Ronald Reagan Day in Virginia. ---------- Patron-- O'Bannon ---------- Committee Referral Pending ----------

WHEREAS, President Ronald Wilson Reagan, a man of humble background, worked diligently throughout his life to uphold the American ideal of 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, Ronald Reagan served with honor and distinction for two terms as the 40th President of the United States and, during his second general election, earned the confidence of three-fifths of the electorate and was victorious in 49 of the 50 states, a record unsurpassed in the history of American presidential elections; and

WHEREAS, in 1981, when Ronald Reagan was inaugurated president, he inherited a disillusioned nation shackled by rampant inflation and high unemployment; 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, Mr. 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 military not only prepared America's armed forces to meet 21st century challenges but also helped to restore our pride in America and those values cherished by our nation and the free world; 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 for millions of people; and

WHEREAS, February 6, 2008, marks the 97th anniversary of the birth of President Ronald Reagan, a time for the citizens of the Commonwealth to reflect upon the principles of individual liberty, economic opportunity, global democracy, and national pride, which he championed throughout his life and public career; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly designate February 6, in 2008 and in each succeeding year, as Ronald Reagan Day in Virginia; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates post the designation of this day on the General Assembly's website.