Honoring Reagan

Californians today are celebrating Ronald Reagan Day.

State lawmakers in 2010 passed a law dedicating Feb. 6 to the Republican who served as California governor before becoming the country’s 40th president.

Today would have been Reagan’s 101st birthday.

There’s a special Facebook page set up for the honor. And supporters are using #ReaganDay on Twitter to share quotes, memories or other thoughts.

“Many young people weren’t alive during Mr. Reagan presidency. It’s up to those of us who were to share his legacy as a champion for liberty,” George Runner — the former state senator who authored the Reagan legislation – said in statement.

Gov. Jerry Brown also released this proclamation to mark the holiday:

“From his humble Midwestern origins, through a successful career in Hollywood, and on to the highest offices in his state and country, Ronald Reagan lived the California dream.

“On this 101st anniversary of his birth, we remember not only his most celebrated achievements–his successful diplomacy with Mikhail Gorbachev and the economic recovery that occurred under his presidency. We also remember the turbulent years of his governorship, during which he proved his ability to manage the affairs of the state, and earlier, the talent and the skill he brought to his work in one of our state’s most renowned and beloved industries.

“Above all, we remember the man: his irresistible optimism, faith, and good humor. As a way to honor his memory, I recommend that Californians give as generously as they can to the Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Institute.

“NOW THEREFORE I, EDMUND G. BROWN JR., Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim February 6th, 2012 as “Ronald Reagan Day.”

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 6th day of February 2012.”