Remembering Ronald Reagan

My father dragged me to downtown Tulsa's Mayo Hotel in 1968 to get a glimpse of California Governor Ronald Reagan. I was way too young to know what the big deal was but dad stationed me in the entrance so we'd be sure to see him. Reagan, surrounded by his entourage, exited the building in such a rush we didn't get to shake his hand but I saw the dark-haired center-of-attention from a few feet away. He must be important I thought but I had no idea why.

Former President Ronald Reagan visited Oklahoma at least 19 times during his life, according to the Tulsa World. I never saw him in person again.