The memory of a special event in my younger life became cloudy over forty-five years.
It was Thursday, June 21st, 1981. I was 31 and managing editor of Future magazine. At the time it was the official publication of The United States Junior Chamber of Commerce, also known as Jaycees. The U.S. Jaycees was holding its annual convention in San Antonio, Texas. It was my second national convention as a staff officer and as managing editor.
President Ronald Reagan was wounded in an assassination attempt in March of 1981. The Jaycees were excited to learn the president agreed to deliver remarks to the national convention. It was to be his first appearance since being shot.
My editor, Stephen T. Coury, had not planned on attending the gathering until he heard Future could accompany the president from the Air Force base near San Antonio to the convention center. Steve decided I should be that staff person, but he changed his mind at the last minute and chose to go himself. I was upset but too naïve to complain and assert authority. I was in the press section of the convention center when President Reagan arrived to thunderous applause.
I distinctly remember the anticipation of approximately 10,000 Jaycees and their significant others in the crowd. It was an electric atmosphere. I felt as though you could have dropped a paper clip and it never would have hit the floor. It was that level of anticipatory excitement to welcome the President of the United States.
When Gib Garrow introduced President Reagan, the applause was loud and long. His remarks focused on the Jaycees efforts to assist his economic recovery program. He talked about reducing taxes and reducing uncontrolled government spending. He also repeated his now celebrated phrase about wanting to “make America great again.”
I remember Sam Donaldson, the news reporter I was seated next to in the press section making some comment about who some of the people in the press section were, or it may have been about some of the people with the president. I ignored him because I had as much right as he did to be where I was instead of backstage with the president’s entourage.
Steve Coury later filled me in on the presidential limousine ride. He met President Reagan when Air Force One landed at Lackland Air Force Base near San Antonio. They boarded the “beast” and proceeded to the convention center. Apparently, all the Interstate and other highways along the route, in both directions, were shut down to traffic. Every overpass was closed and staffed by police security teams with snipers on surrounding buildings. When the limo arrived at the convention center, it was driven right in close to the holding room off-stage. To say security was high would be an under-statement.
President Reagan’s remarks that day are on You Tube. I was there.
