Friday, May 19, 2006

Alabama: Sweet Home to a New Reagan Honor
Restaurant owner commemorates visit by 40th President

Washington, D.C. - A McDonald’s restaurant in Northport, Alabama now features a bronze bust of President Ronald Reagan. The restaurant was the site of a campaign stop by President Reagan on October 15, 1984.

Restaurant owner Rick Hanna Sr. decided to memorialize the president’s visit with the bust which sits inside a case along with a picture of President Reagan at the restaurant in 1984. The Ronald Reagan Legacy Project (RRLP), a leading force in preserving the ideas of America’s 40th president, praises the efforts of all involved in enhancing President Reagan’s memory in Alabama.

“I applaud the efforts of the citizens of Alabama for their continued dedication to honor the legacy of Ronald Reagan,” said Grover Norquist, chairman of the Ronald Reagan Legacy Project. “Citizens of every state should continue to advocate for sites honoring the many significant contributions of our 40th president in the U.S. as well as abroad.”

Alabama was one of 49 states which supported Reagan in his 1984 reelection. Reagan won the support of 60.5 percent of Alabama voters in 1984. The state of Alabama has at least three memorials in honor of Ronald Reagan including the Ronald Reagan Spirit of America Field, as well as several highway and road titles which bear his name. Nationally, over 80 dedications to the late president have been made.

“While Ronald Reagan had an enormous effect on the world, he also played a great role in the lives of individual Americans and businesses,” said Norquist. “Recognizing his memory on every level is a great honor to his life and legacy.”

The RRLP is committed to preserving the legacy of one of America’s greatest presidents throughout the nation and abroad. Grover Norquist, chairman of the RLLP, is available for interviews regarding Ronald Reagan’s legacy and the group’s projects. Please contact John Kartch at (202)-785-0266 or jkartch@atr.org.

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