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

Note: 30 March 2011 Last updated at 00:49 GMT

Penguin · 03-30-11, 06:30 AM

Quote:

The surgical team assembled, but before they started the president looked at them. "I hope you are all Republicans," he said, mock-gravely.

One has to give him credit for keeping his humour!

Biggles · 03-30-11, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Penguin

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".

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!"

Ronald Reagan, the best wit in the White House in the modern age I'd say.

Gerald · 03-30-11, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oberon

I love that a few years later when at a big Republican gathering a balloon exploded and he replied "Missed me!"

Ronald Reagan, the best wit in the White House in the modern age I'd say.

Classic, thanks for sharing

Gerald · 03-30-11, 10:32 AM

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.

03-30-11, 06:18 AM	#1
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	Ronald Reagan: 30 years since assassination attempt 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 Note: 30 March 2011 Last updated at 00:49 GMT __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie Last edited by Gerald; 03-30-11 at 09:33 AM.

03-30-11, 10:32 AM	#6
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	__________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie

03-30-11, 07:10 AM	#4
Oberon Lucky Jack Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 25,976 Downloads: 61 Uploads: 20	I love that a few years later when at a big Republican gathering a balloon exploded and he replied "Missed me!" Ronald Reagan, the best wit in the White House in the modern age I'd say.

03-30-11, 10:36 AM	#7
Takeda Shingen Navy Seal Join Date: Mar 2000 Posts: 8,643 Downloads: 19 Uploads: 0	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.