[LC]

RONALD REAGAN

May 27, 1993

Dear Henry:

Congratulations on this monumental occasion! I only wish I could say that I look forward to my 70th, but that's wishful thinking.

Nancy and I wanted to join your family and friends in wishing you much happiness on your special day. We hope you feel celebrated and appreciated...because you are! Few Americans can point to a career in public service as long and triumphant as yours. Your unswerving dedication and devotion to the ideals of our country will always be remembered, and you will forever stand out as a true patriot of freedom.

Speaking as someone who's had more than a few, birthdays are an appropriate time to pause and reflect on the year past, the accomplishments and people who have made them special, and the exciting prospects of the future. Henry, you have been richly blessed over the years, and in turn you have given back to your Nation and will long be remembered for your immense contributions.

Nancy and I wish you continued good health and happiness. May you enjoy many more birthdays in the years to come.

Sincerely,

The Honorable Henry Kissinger
River House
435 East 52nd Street, Apartment 6E
New York, New York 10022

TRANSCRIPT OF LETTER FROM PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN
TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE

Nov. 5, 1994

My Fellow Americans,

I have recently been told that I am one of the millions of
Americans who will be afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease.

Upon learning this news, Nancy & I had to decide whether as
private citizens we would keep this a private matter or whether
we would make this news known in a public way.

In the past Nancy suffered from breast cancer and I had my cancer
surgeries. We found through our open disclosures we were able
to raise public awareness. We were happy that as a result many
more people underwent testing. They were treated in early stages
and able to return to normal, healthy lives.

So now, we feel it is important to share it with you. In opening
our hearts, we hope this might promote greater awareness of this
condition. Perhaps it will encourage a clearer understanding of
the individuals and families who are affected by it.

At the moment I feel just fine. I intend to live the remainder
of the years God gives me on this earth doing the things I have
always done. I will continue to share life's journey with my
beloved Nancy and my family. I plan to enjoy the great outdoors
and stay in touch with my friends and supporters.

Unfortunately, as Alzheimer's Disease progresses, the family
often bears a heavy burden. I only wish there was some way I
could spare Nancy from this painful experience. When the time
comes I am confident that with your help she will face it with
faith and courage.

In closing let me thank you, the American people for giving me
the great honor of allowing me to serve as your President. When
the Lord calls me home, (sic) whenever that may be, I will leave
with the greatest love for this country of ours and eternal
optimism for its future.

I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my
life. I know that for America there will always be a bright dawn
ahead.

Thank you, my friends. May God always bless you.

STATEMENT BY

Dr. Oliver H. Beahrs, Mayo Clinic

Dr. Leslie Weiner, University of Southern California

Dr. James R. Blake, St. John's Hospital

General John Hutton, M.D., Uniformed Services University
of the Health Sciences

Dr. Ronald Petersen, Mayo Clinic

(PERSONAL PHYSICIANS TO PRESIDENT REAGAN)

Throughout their adult lives President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan have undergone annual physical examinations. This continued during their years in the White House and subsequently at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. These yearly exams have included thorough memory testing and other clinical studies.

Over the past twelve months we began to notice from President Reagan's test results symptoms indicating the possibility of early stage Alzheimer's Disease. Additional testing and an extensive observation over the past few weeks have led us to conclude that President Reagan is entering the early stages of this disease.

Although his health is otherwise good, it is expected that as the years go on it will begin to deteriorate. Unfortunately, at this time there is no cure for Alzheimer's Disease and no effective treatment exists that arrests its progression.

We applaud President Reagan for the courage he has demonstrated by sharing this personal information with the American people. However, as his personal physicians, we respect the doctor/patient privilege and will not be making any further comment about his medical condition. # # #