GODSPEED:

Ronald Reagan's birthday marked with library pavilion dedication (JEFF WILSON, February 6, 2004, Associated Press)

Bathed in sun at the hilltop Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, 126 youngsters sang "Happy Birthday" to Mrs. Reagan. The construction crew building the pavilion for the Boeing 707 that ferried Reagan and six other U.S. presidents presented her a birthday gift for the Gipper - a metal lunch pail.

She laughed when she found out it was filled with jelly beans.

The former Air Force One, already on site with its wings clipped and stored alongside the gleaming silver, blue and white fuselage, will be displayed when the pavilion opens in spring 2005.

The nation's 40th president was 50 miles away at his Los Angeles home, where he's remained in seclusion since disclosing nearly a decade ago that he has the memory-sapping Alzheimer's disease.

Since then, little information has been released about the man known as The Great Communicator. Mrs. Reagan has said she's not sure her husband even recognizes her.

Asked how her husband was doing, Mrs. Reagan simply nodded and said "fine." She appeared overjoyed by the brief event but she did not speak to the gathering.

"It's been difficult for Mrs. Reagan," said close friend Merv Griffin. "She's amazing. That's probably the loneliest life of all."

Reagan chief of staff Joanne Drake said that during a visit to the Reagans' home this week, the former president "was laughing" and, other than grayer salt-and-pepper hair, he looked the same as people remember him. [...]

Michael Reagan told CBS' "The Early Show" that he saw his father the other day.

"I have to be honest with you, he had great color. ... You can't communicate with him, but he has a strong heart and strong lungs. All you can do is just hug him, and give him a kiss and say a prayer and hope for the best," he said.

My fellow Americans, 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.

In the past, Nancy suffered from breast cancer and I had cancer surgeries. We found through our open disclosures we were able to raise public awareness. We were happy that as a result many more people underwent testing. They were treated in early stages and able to return to normal, healthy lives.

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 clear understanding of the individuals and families who are affected by it.

At the moment, I feel just fine. I intend to live the remainder of the years God gives me on this earth doing the things I have always done. I will continue to share life's journey with my beloved Nancy and my family. I plan to enjoy the great outdoors and stay in touch with my friends and supporters.

Unfortunately, as Alzheimer's disease progresses, the family often bears a heavy burden. I only wish there was some way I could spare Nancy from this painful experience. When the time comes, I am confident that with your help she will face it with faith and courage.

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 the greatest love for this country of ours and eternal optimism for its future.

I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life. I know that for America there will always be a bright dawn ahead.

Thank you, my friends.