Posted on 02/07/2006 10:53:04 AM PST by presidio9
Former President Ronald Reagan's oldest son says his first visit to his father's central Illinois alma mater fulfilled a vow he made to his sister before she died of cancer five years ago.
Maureen Reagan made four stops at Eureka College before her death from melanoma. Michael Reagan said he promised "that I would be a Reagan that would be involved" with the small school where their late father graduated in 1932 before moving on to Hollywood and the White House.
Reagan spoke Monday during an event celebrating both the 151st anniversary of the school's founding and the 95th birthday of its most famous graduate, who died in 2004 after a decade-long battle with Alzheimer's disease.
The adopted son of Reagan and his first wife, actress Jane Wyman, told about 350 people at a $150-a-plate fundraising dinner for school programs honoring the late president that he nearly became a Eureka alumnus himself.
"My father said to me, 'Well, you're not doing very good in school,"' Reagan said, drawing laughs as he mimicked his father's well-known voice. "'I know some people at Eureka College. If things don't work out, I guess I could make a call."'
I have admiration for Michael Reagan and wonder how an adopted son can be more like his father than his fathers own flesh and blood.
My husband heard Michael speak at our church a few weeks ago and was very impressed. Liked him a lot.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.