Brenda Jones: Fond Memories of Nancy Reagan
Point of View: Fond memories of Nancy Reagan
By Brenda Jones Barwick
Many of the American public perceived first lady Nancy Reagan as the adoring wife quietly gazing at her husband, President Ronald Reagan. Beyond her gaze was an extremely strong woman who knew how to leverage her power to impact change for a stronger America.
Through my nine years of working for President Reagan, I was fortunate to have a front-row seat to witness her influence and an amazing love story.
After arriving at the White House in January 1981 following the campaign, Mrs. Reagan recognized that the home belonging to the American people was in poor condition. Through raising private funds, she restored the White House to properly symbolize our great nation and would make all Americans proud of it again.
She next tackled the growing drug problem in America with the “Just Say No” campaign that helped thousands, if not millions, of youth become successful, productive citizens.