Today marks Ronald Reagan’s 100th birthday. Reagan is really my first President of the United States. I was born a few months prior to Nixon resigning. I was potty trained during Ford’s presidency. I really don’t remember anything about Carter…except for waiting in line for gasoline in the backseat of a station wagon.

When he was President, I was between the ages of 6 and 14. Back then, I think we only had 12 possible TV channels (2-13). My first memory of Reagan is when he was on (almost) every TV channel when he spoke. I can even remember him speaking on TV during school when the Challenger exploded. He had a gift of communication. He could make us laugh (“age will not be an issue for this campaign”). He could give us hope (“shining city on the hill”). He could inspire us (“tear down this wall”). Not until later in life, did I truly understand and appreciate his contribution to this country and this world.

On a more personal level, I found out a few years ago that he’s my distant cousin. His great, great grandfather Thomas Reagan is my great, great, great, great grandfather. Here’s the simple view:

With only direct descendants, it doesn’t appear that we are that far apart. So here is a clip from http://www.genealogy.com/famousfolks/ronald-reagan/

Here’s the additional information: Thomas Regan who was born in 1783 in County Cork, Ireland and had 7 children. He had only one child, Michael Reagan, from his second (?) wife Margaret Murphy. Julia Reagan Harrington was Michael Reagan’s half sister, one of the six children from Thomas Reagan’s first marriage. Julia is my mom’s great, great grandmother.

I know it’s a stretch, but we are related. My daughter is so excited to be related to a President. He will occasionally remind my wife that she isn’t!

By the way, if you have never been to the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California, it is a must see, regardless of your political views. It is one of the most beautiful buildings I have been in. Built on top of a mountain overlooking the value, it is truly breathtaking. The building, itself, is very modern and open. It is even built around Air Force One.

If you visit, you must visit the Ronald Regan Pub beware that “Alcohol For Display Purposes Only”

Here are a few pictures from a trip I had in 2006.

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