Reagan Is Remembered on 95th Birthday

Former President Reagan was remembered Monday on what would have been his 95th birthday as a “peace-through-strength” warrior who helped end the Cold War and restored America’s pride after a period of national malaise.

President Bush sent a wreath and there was a Marine Corps 21-gun salute during the half-hour ceremony at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library near Simi Valley. Reagan died June 5, 2004, after a 10-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

“This was a man who literally saved the world,” said Marine Col. John C. Coleman, commander of the Camp Pendleton Marine base.

He then joined retired Gen. P.X. Kelley, former member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in placing the red-and-white carnation wreath on Reagan’s grave. Caroline Busch, celebrating her 7th birthday at the library, placed a birthday bouquet on the grave.

Kelley recalled Reagan telling him early in his first term in the White House that he wanted to return salutes to the nation’s military men and women. Kelley told Reagan he could do whatever he wanted as commander in chief.

“From then on he never missed returning a salute,” Kelley told about 500 people gathered outside the wind-swept hilltop library.

Former First Lady Nancy Reagan did not attend.

“It’s a rough day for her emotionally. His birthday was always his favorite day,” said Joanne Drake, the late president’s chief of staff.

After the ceremony, which concluded with a bugler playing taps, guests were invited to the library lobby for chocolate birthday cake -- a favorite of Reagan.