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Posted on Mar 2, 2012

Celebrating 60 years of devotion

On March 4, 1952 a very special couple were married. It was a private gathering with just one other couple there, who acted as the best man and matron of honor. The groom was 41 and the bride was 30.

And they were in love.

Ronald and Nancy Reagan remained devoted to each other throughout their years together.

Many people only think about Ronald Reagan as the President of the United States. Some might remember him as the Governor of California.  And a few might remember him as a Hollywood actor.

Nancy only knew Ronald as the man devoted to her. And she was devoted to him.

The Value of Devotion

Being in the media spotlight for most of their married life, the devotion that Ronald and Nancy Reagan had for each other was often highlighted. It was just so obvious. It was clearly one of their differentiating values.

Devotion means commitment to purpose; religious zeal; feelings of ardent love. Ronald and Nancy demonstrated all three aspects of this value.

  • His purpose was to serve his country. He did that well. And she supported him in it.
  • Everything they did contained a kind of zealousness that either inspired others or sparked controversy.
  • The feelings of love for each other were transparent and visible for all to see, such that it’s still celebrated today.

A great book about this unique couple is called “I Love You, Ronnie” and it’s filled with love letters that Ronald wrote to Nancy over a 50-year period. It’s a beautiful tribute of a man’s devotion to his wife.

Together, this couple led a meaningful life – making a significant impact on the world.

Devotion in Action

Ronald demonstrated his devotion to Nancy both publically and privately, throughout their marriage. His gift was through the power of the word, both spoken and written.

On their 29th wedding anniversary, Ronald commented “29 years of more happiness than any man could rightly deserve.” That maps perfectly to a comment Nancy once made “What can you say about a man, who on Mother’s Day sends flowers to his mother-in-law, with a note thanking her for making him the happiest man on Earth?”

Nancy demonstrated her devotion to Ronald through her 50+ years of unwavering support. It was particularly evident in the last 10 years of Ronald’s life, in the way she cared for him during his battle with Alzheimer’s disease. During his presidency, she was his protector. Throughout his illness and right up until his death in 2004, she was his primary caregiver.

Maybe the best description of devotion in action comes from a comment by a press secretary during Reagan’s presidency: “They never took each other for granted. They never stopped courting.”

What a great example and role model for all married couples.

 

What other couples have lived a life of devotion for each other?

 

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