Nevadans help honor Reagans

Benjamin Grove

Friday, May 17, 2002 | 9:36 a.m.

WASHINGTON -- Two Nevada lawmakers lauded Ronald Reagan during a Thursday ceremony to award the former president and his wife, Nancy, the Congressional Gold Medal. The former first lady accepted the honor for her husband from President Bush and a cast of congressional leaders.

Reagan, 91, suffers from Alzheimer's Disease and no longer makes public appearances.

Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., along with Rep. Jennifer Dunn, R-Wash., introduced legislation in Congress to honor the Reagans in February 2000. President Clinton signed the bill later that year. Congressional leaders decide when to present the Gold Medal to recipients, but it's not clear why it took so long to organize the ceremony.

At the speaker's podium in the Capitol rotunda, Gibbons praised Reagan for renewing optimism among Americans who had lost hope, for ending the Cold War and for his commitment to the armed forces. Reagan's legacy will be renewed patriotism and pride in America, Gibbons said.

Nancy Reagan was honored for her anti-drug campaigns, including the slogan "Just Say No," and for her commitment to her husband of 50 years.

"They are truly a beloved and treasured American couple," Gibbons said.

Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., asked Senate Majority Whip Harry Reid of Nevada to stand in for him at the ceremony, Reid spokeswoman Tessa Hafen said. It's not clear why Daschle did not attend.

As the ceremony unfolded, Republicans and Democrats elsewhere on Capitol Hill were launching partisan attacks Thursday over what information Bush knew prior to the Sept. 11 attacks. But if there was tension on the speakers dais among the politicians assembled, it did not show.

Reid told the audience Reagan rose from humble beginnings -- not by pedigree or wealth or education -- but because of his charismatic personality and his convictions.

"His appeal transcended traditional party affiliations," said Reid, the only Democratic speaker at the ceremony. "The Reagan legacy continues. It will continue to be felt, is widely remembered and will long endure."

Several other prominent Nevadans attended the ceremony, including political consultant and former presidential adviser Sig Rogich, and former Sen. Paul Laxalt and former Rep. Barbara Vucanovich, both Republicans.

The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honor Congress bestows. It was first given to George Washington in 1776. Other recent recipients include civil rights activist Rosa Parks, Peanuts creator Charles Schulz, Pope John Paul II and former President Gerald Ford and first lady Betty Ford.