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01-04-15, 12:38 PM
http://www.ijreview.com/2015/01/226462-marines-tried-recruit-73-year-old-president-ronald-reagan-response-classic/
As much as Ronald Reagan is remembered for his love of country, he is also remembered for his dry sense of humor. His response to a recruitment letter from the Marine Corps – received while he was president – was classic Reagan.
In May of 1984, after the 73-year-old president received the letter, he replied in quintessential Reaganesque style:
Dear General Kelly,
I regret that I must decline the attached invitation to enlist in the United States Marine Corps.
As proud as I am of the inference concerning my physical fitness, it might be better to continue as the Commander-in-Chief. Besides, at the present time it would be rather difficult to spend ten weeks at Parris Island.
The recruiter notes that “had (I) joined six months ago, I would have a whole new life now.” There is no doubt about that. As much as the other political party would appreciate the notion, Nancy is happy with the house and I am totally satisfied with my job. As for the immediate future, I have the kind of tenacity the Corps is famous for in my resolve to stay here for the next four years. Would you consider a deferment until 1989?
On a more serious note, P. X., I’m sure my invitation came as the result of a lance corporal’s overactive imagination. Nevertheless, please let him know that he honored me in believing that I have what it takes to become a United States Marine.
Semper Fidelis,
Ronald Reagan
President Reagan may not have had what it takes to be a U.S. Marine at the age of 73, but I’m sure he got a few laughs out of the Corps with this response.
As much as Ronald Reagan is remembered for his love of country, he is also remembered for his dry sense of humor. His response to a recruitment letter from the Marine Corps – received while he was president – was classic Reagan.
In May of 1984, after the 73-year-old president received the letter, he replied in quintessential Reaganesque style:
Dear General Kelly,
I regret that I must decline the attached invitation to enlist in the United States Marine Corps.
As proud as I am of the inference concerning my physical fitness, it might be better to continue as the Commander-in-Chief. Besides, at the present time it would be rather difficult to spend ten weeks at Parris Island.
The recruiter notes that “had (I) joined six months ago, I would have a whole new life now.” There is no doubt about that. As much as the other political party would appreciate the notion, Nancy is happy with the house and I am totally satisfied with my job. As for the immediate future, I have the kind of tenacity the Corps is famous for in my resolve to stay here for the next four years. Would you consider a deferment until 1989?
On a more serious note, P. X., I’m sure my invitation came as the result of a lance corporal’s overactive imagination. Nevertheless, please let him know that he honored me in believing that I have what it takes to become a United States Marine.
Semper Fidelis,
Ronald Reagan
President Reagan may not have had what it takes to be a U.S. Marine at the age of 73, but I’m sure he got a few laughs out of the Corps with this response.