Arnold Schwarzenegger,  Ronald Reagan

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Signs Legislation Declaring Ronald Reagan Day in California

President Barack Obama, seated, joined by former first lady Nancy Reagan, left, and others, signs the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission Act during a ceremony in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, June 2, 2009. From left are, Nancy Reagan, Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, R-Calif., the president, Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., Rep. Elton Gallegly, R-Calif., and Rep. Bill Foster, D-Ill.

One of the few things the unpopular California Governor Schwarzenegger has done right.

California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced today that the US state will celebrate Ronald Reagan Day annually on February 6.

Gov Schwarzenegger said the move was to acknowledge the former US president’s life accomplishments and his contributions to California.

Reagan – who was born on February 6, 1911 and died on June 5, 2004 – was governor of California from 1967-1975 before holding the office of president between 1980 and 1988. He was succeeded by George Bush.

Governor Schwarzenegger said: “With this legislation, we celebrate Ronald Reagan’s incredible legacy and his spirit of optimism. Our nation is stronger because of him, and it is important for future Californians to learn about and acknowledge the extraordinary work he did for the state and country he loved.”

On February 6, all public schools and education institutions will be encouraged to engage in exercises remembering the life of the former president, recognising his accomplishments and the contributions he made to California.

The Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission will be tasked with honouring and promoting the celebration of the 100th anniversary of President Ronald Reagan’s birthday on February 6, 2011.

And, the 100th anniversary should be quite the celebration. Tickets will be hard to obtain but I hope to cover the celebration.