Story: Grounding The President

“The doors of this library are open now and all are welcome. The judgment of history is left to you, the people.” - Ronald Reagan, 40th President of the United States

Ronald Reagan was always up to the task. During his two-term presidency the actor-turned-politician helped unhorse Communism, capsizing the Iron Curtain and conquering the Cold War. And it is safe to assume when the former president included these remarks during the dedication of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in the fall of 1991 he had already set his sights on yet another monumental effort: finding a permanent residence for Air Force One, the “Flying White House” he used for all eight of his years as Commander in Chief.

With soaring speeds of over 500 miles per hour, Reagan dreamed of the day when his presidential home away from home and airborne symbol of democracy would land, for the public’s inspection, for good.

Standing in a 90,000 square foot facility the famous Boeing 707 recently made its final landing at the library’s newly constructed Air Force One Pavilion, completing the mission of its now-deceased former passenger. Perched at a slight incline overlooking the Simi Valley, separated from the scenic vistas by a single glass wall, the plane that transported seven United States presidents (from Nixon to George W. Bush) now stands as an open book to the public, opening the doors to historic moments in national democracy and worldwide freedom.

Boarding the exhibit in similar fashion to a President and First Lady’s entrance, the plane’s interior navigates through separate state rooms for the First Couple, a lounge area for miscellaneous staff (including the press secretary, military and personal aides and a doctor) a second staff room and finally a rear compartment for U.S. Air Force and press. Despite a President’s assumed “royal” treatment, the inside is plainly equipped, deriving functional purpose from basic communication devices like phones and televisions to a sensitive brief case containing nuclear codes - and its own code name: “the football”- to other more frivolous favorites (Jelly Bellys, placed throughout the aircraft were “Ronnie’s” favorite).

Preserved in its original 1980’s décor, there is a distinct Reagan aura that permeates the entire inside. Indeed there is an indelible impression the Reagan-era left within America, a lasting commitment to democracy and worldwide peace. Reagan commented when we set our sights on the horizon, every day is “morning in America”. And Air Force One is pointed towards the sun, forever remaining iconic as it escorts the leader of the Free World through the friendly skies.