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Ronald Reagan Autographed Alzheimer's Letter 1994

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President Ronald Reagan Autographed Alzheimer's Letter, 1994

Ronald Wilson Reagan (February 6, 1911 - June 5, 2004) was the 40th President of the United States (1981 - 1989) and the 33rd Governor of California (1967 - 1975). Born in Illinois, Reagan moved to Hollywood in the 1930s, where he became an actor, President of the Screen Actor's Guild and a spokesman for General Electric. Reagan was a prominent New Deal Democrat until switching parties in 1962, becoming a Republican. After delivering his famous "Time for Choosing" speech, he was persuaded to seek the California Governorship, which he won in 1966 and again in 1970. Defeated for the Republican presidential nomination in 1968 and 1976, he won the nomination, as well as the election, in 1980.

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

The impact of Ronald Reagan on the American political landscape is beyond question, and his influence on world politics profound. In eight years Ronald Reagan and his administration redefined and inspired conservatism in America, broadening its appeal from exclusive country clubs to main street USA.

Reagan was known as "The Great Communicator" for his ability to appeal to people across the political spectrum, and his 'man of the people' persona inspired the best in almost everyone. Debate still rages over his economic policies, but his popularity was rarely in question. Good approval ratings combined with an increasingly stronger economy gave Reagan political capital that could be spent at home and abroad.

A tireless opponent of communism, Reagan rejected notions of détente and containment in favor of confrontation. After christening the Soviet Union an "Evil Empire," Reagan challenged Soviet Premier Gorbachev to "tear down this wall" in his famous speech near Berlin's Brandenburg Gate in 1987. Two years later, the wall would crumble and former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher would credit Reagan with engineering the final fall of Soviet Communism.

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.

A prolific letter writer, Reagan composed a dignified message to the American people on November 5, 1994, announcing his condition. Nancy confirms that he just sat down and wrote the letter with no drafts. He closed with words that even a casual observer of the "Great Communicator" would have expected: "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."

Signature in blue felt tip to upper right.

Condition Report: Excellent, bright signature

Size: 8.5 x 11 in. (21.6 x 27.9 cm.)

Provenance: Profiles in History

Estimate: $5,000 - 10,000

Excellent, bright signature

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