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View Full Version : Ronald Reagan: 30 years since assassination attempt

Gerald
03-30-11, 06:18 AM
On 30 March 1981, just 69 days into his presidency, Ronald Reagan was shot and wounded outside the Washington Hilton by John Hinckley Jr in an assassination attempt. President Reagan suffered a punctured lung in the shooting, but survived. Three others were also wounded.

That day, 30 years ago, two actions saved Reagan's life. The president's reaction to the attack which almost killed him may have made his presidency.

For Secret Service agent Jerry Parr, it started as a pretty regular day.

"Rawhide" - the codename the Service gave this 40th president of the United States - was giving a speech at the Washington Hilton, a venue that was just a few minutes' drive from the White House, and had been used dozens of times by presidents past.....

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-12901691

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nbMqQo4AYY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoZeZprXnDg

Note: 30 March 2011 Last updated at 00:49 GMT
Penguin
03-30-11, 06:30 AM
The surgical team assembled, but before they started the president looked at them. "I hope you are all Republicans," he said, mock-gravely.:-j
One has to give him credit for keeping his humour!
Biggles
03-30-11, 06:37 AM
:-j
One has to give him credit for keeping his humour!

Reminds me of the death of an actor...don't remember who it was, but apparently he suffered a heart attack or something like that in a restaurant. He was still conscious when they took him out on a stretcher, and when he passed a line of people waiting for their tables he apparently said "Don't worry, it wasn't the food that killed me".:O:

Humor will always find a way!
Oberon
03-30-11, 07:10 AM
I love that a few years later when at a big Republican gathering a balloon exploded and he replied "Missed me!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X39dGQmBEww

Ronald Reagan, the best wit in the White House in the modern age I'd say.
Gerald
03-30-11, 07:19 AM
I love that a few years later when at a big Republican gathering a balloon exploded and he replied "Missed me!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X39dGQmBEww

Ronald Reagan, the best wit in the White House in the modern age I'd say. Classic, thanks for sharing :up:
Gerald
03-30-11, 10:32 AM
http://i.imgur.com/qaiBC.jpg
Takeda Shingen
03-30-11, 10:36 AM
Genuflection not withstanding, America only narrowly avoided another serious tragedy that day thanks to the quick work of the Secrect Service and the hospital surgeons and staff.