[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 118 (Tuesday, July 6, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E745]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





      HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF NANCY DAVIS REAGAN'S BIRTH

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. YOUNG KIM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 6, 2021

  Mrs. KIM of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today joined by my 
colleague, Rep. Steel, to commemorate the birthday of one of our 
Nation's greatest First Ladies and a true American patriot. 100 years 
ago, on July 6, Nancy Reagan was born. Throughout her lifetime, she 
served in many roles--from movie star to loving mother, from First Lady 
of both California and the United States to distinguished 
philanthropist. No matter her position, she fulfilled her duties with 
grace; elegance; and, above all, class.
  As First Lady of California, Nancy became involved with important 
charitable work, including visiting Vietnam War veterans, homes for the 
elderly, and schools for physically and emotionally handicapped 
children. She participated in events raising awareness about prisoners 
of war and servicemembers missing in action. She also promoted the 
Foster Grandparent Program, a volunteer opportunity for older Americans 
to mentor, guide, and care for children with exceptional needs. This 
program continues to make important contributions to this day, 
benefitting both children and elderly people. According to the Ronald 
Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, showcasing the power of 
Mrs. Reagan's attention, in the program's first year of operation, 782 
foster grandparents carried out projects in 27 States. By 1985, some 
19,000 foster grandparents served 65,000 children in all 50 states.
  As First Lady during President Reagan's two terms, she led the charge 
on educating our Nation' s youth on the dangers of drug use and 
addiction, teaching a generation of children and young adults to ``Just 
Say No.'' In 1985, she hosted First Ladies from across the world for a 
briefing in Washington and Atlanta on the topic of drug abuse and what 
can be done to help those who are suffering from it. Her drive to 
educate young people about the dangers of illicit drugs demonstrates 
her commitment to the future of our nation.
  After her time in the White House, Nancy had a profound impact in our 
own communities through her support of the Reagan Library in Simi 
Valley. It was through her guidance and influence that the Reagan 
Library became one of the most esteemed centers for learning and 
Presidential scholarship in the country. She also continued the push to 
educate people on the perils of substance abuse and established the 
Nancy Reagan Foundation and the Nancy Reagan Afterschool Program to 
support this mission.
  After President Reagan passed away, she became a leading advocate for 
individuals suffering from Alzheimer's Disease and their caregivers. 
Nancy worked with the National Alzheimer's Association and its 
affiliate, the Ronald & Nancy Reagan Research Institute in Chicago, 
Illinois, to find a cure or treatment for this terrible disease that 
plagues so many in our country. She courageously continued President 
Reagan's legacy in serving our country until her death in 2016. She is 
buried on the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library grounds next to her 
beloved husband.
  On the centennial of her birth, we commend Mrs. Reagan for her 
service to our communities, the State of California, and the United 
States of America.