Ronald Regan

Ronald Regan was born

Feb 6, 1911

Ronald Wilson Reagan is born in Tampico, Ill., to Nelle Wilson Reagan and John Edward Reagan. The Reagans already had one previous son, Neil.

Regan as a Lifeguard

Jun 6, 1926

Reagan begins work as a lifeguard at Lowell Park, near Dixon. He was credited with saving 77 lives during the seven summers he worked there.

Regan Graduates High School

Jun 1, 1928

Reagan graduates from Dixon High School, where he was student body president and participated in football, basketball, track, and school plays.

Ronald graduates Eureka Illinios College

Jun 5, 1932

1932
Reagan graduates Eureka (Illinois) College, where he majored in economics and sociology. During his sophomore year, Reagan becomes interested in drama. Reagan also serves as student body president.

Regan Enlist in Army Reserves as a private.

Aug 17, 1937

1937
Reagan enlists in the Army Reserve as a private but is soon promoted to 2nd lieutenant in the Officers Reserve Corps of the Cavalry. An agent for Warner Brothers "discovers" Reagan in Los Angeles and offers him a seven-year contract.

Regan marries Jane Wyman

Jan 24, 1940

Reagan marries actress Jane Wyman, whom he met while making the movie Brother Rat. And has a daughter Maureen a year later on Jan. 4, 1941.

Regan stars in a roll on Knute Rockne

Dec 29, 1940

Reagan plays Notre Dame football legend George Gipp in his most acclaimed film, Knute Rockne, All American, The role earns Reagan the nickname "the Gipper."

Regan adpots Micheal

Mar 1, 1945

Regan and Jane decied to adopt baby Micheal.

Ronald Reagan campaigns for political friends

Nov 2, 1950

Mr. Reagan began campaigning for many democratic politicians, including Presidents Truman and Nixon.

Regan becomes a REPUBLICAN

Nov 2, 1962

After working for a decade with the democrats, Mr. Reagan officially switched parties to republican.

Ronald Reagan the governor

Aug 6, 1966

Reagan ran for governor of California and he won by a landslide. He served two terms.

Announces candidacy

Nov 13, 1979

Reagan announces his candidacy for president. After winning the party's nomination, he chooses George Bush as his running mate. The platform calls for "a new consensus with all those across the land who share a community of values embodied in these words: family, work, neighborhood, peace, and freedom."

Regan becomes President

Nov 2, 1980

After serving two terms as governor, Mr. Reagan ran for president. He won and became the 40th US president.

An assassination attempt

Mar 30, 1981

While leaving a hotel in Washington, President Reagan was shot and wounded. Three others were also shot, but they all survived.

Budget

Jan 31, 1983

Reagan submits his fiscal 1984 budget to Congress. The recession, tax cuts and increased defense outlays are blamed for a projected $189 billion budget gap. Reagan vows to "stay the course," rejecting advice to raise taxes or cut defense.

President Reagan orders airstrikes

Mar 6, 1986

After attacks on US soldiers, President Reagan ordered airstrikes in Libya. He worked hard to protect the American people.

Reagan retires from politics

Nov 2, 1989

Reagan's presidency ended when George Bush was elected president. He retired to California where he worked on many charity projects as well as campaigned for the Republican Party.

Alzheirmers Disease

Nov 5, 1994

Reagan discloses in a letter that he has Alzheimer's disease. "I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life," he writes. "I know that for America there will always be a bright dawn ahead."

Ronald Regan Dies

Jun 5, 2004

Ronald Reagan dies in California at the age of 93.