Reagan Assassination Attempt President's Letter to the Rebbe in Honor of the Rebbe's Birthday
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Reagan Assassination Attempt On March 30, 1981 President Reagan was shot outside the Hilton Hotel in Washington. He suffered a punctured lung. A number of Secret service agents and others were shot as well. The Shooter was John Hinckley, 25, who was later found not guilty by reason of insanity. John W. Hinckley Jr. is the son of John Warnock Hinckley, Sr., who was Chairman and President of the Vanderbilt Energy Corporation, and the family owns Hinckley Oil Company. The family is also well connected with the Bush family, they had given “a lot of money” to the Bush (41) Campaign. During his grade school years, he played football, basketball, and was elected class president twice. President’s Letter to the Rebbe in honor of the Rebbe’s Birthday April 15, 1981 Dear Rabbi Schneerson: I am delighted to join with your many friends and followers in wishing you а very Happy Seventy-Ninth Birthday . Your dedication and devotion to the spiritual and intellectual well-being of the Jewish people are an inspiration to all Americans. For more than two centuries, the Chabad- Lubavitch Movement has been а vital force in Jewish life and culture and а source of hope and sustenance during many difficult and tragic moments in Jewish history. With your emphasis on moral and ethical values and your interest in education, you have contributed greatly to both the intellectual and spiritual development of our nation. You have my deep-felt respect and admiration. With best wishes, Sincerely, Ronald Reagan The Rebbe’s Response Letter (The Rebbe mentions the Farbrengen in his letter). By the Grace of G-d 12 Nissan, 5741 (April 16, 1981) Brooklyn, N.Y. President Ronald Reagan The White House Washington Greeting and Blessing: Thank you very much, dear Mr. President, for your good wishes on the occasion of my birthday. As I noted in my remarks at the annual celebration last night, your kind and thoughtful congratulatory message is doubly reassuring. While all of us are still under impact of the recent trying days for you and the Nation, in connection with the demented attempt on your life (Heaven forefend!), it is remarkable, and most gratifying, that the President has been able to give personal attention also to matters which, under the circumstances, might have justifiably been postponed, or overlooked. Your message, particularly in reference to the importance of emphasizing moral and ethical values in education, is as meaningful as it is timely. It is heartening to know that you, Mr. President, and your administration are committed to upgrading the education of all the citizens of this country. Please be assured that we in the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, along with all good citizens of this country, continue to pray for your rapid and complete recovery, and for your robust health consistently thereafter, so that you can carry out the awesome responsibilities of the President of this great and leading Nation in the world. In keeping with our basic belief that everything is by Divine Providence, how much more so being elected to the highest office in the land, we are convinced that G-d has endowed you with the capabilities and strength to carry out your G-d-given responsibilities in the fullest measure, with joy and gladness of heart. There is no better way in which I can reciprocate your good wishes than by reiterating the Divine promise to our Patriarch Abraham, "I will bless them that bless thee" (Gen. 12:3). May you and the First Lady and all your family be blessed with all good from the Source of all blessings. With utmost esteem and blessing, Cordially, M. Schneerson Education Day USA On March 30, 1981 President Reagan was shot outside the Hilton Hotel in Washington. He suffered a punctured lung. A number of Secret service agents and others were shot as well. Education and Sharing Day is a day made by the United States Congress in honor of the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s efforts for education and sharing for Jews and non-Jews alike. The day was inaugurated April 18, 1978 , by President Jimmy Carter and has since been proclaimed, by the presiding President, annually on the Jewish birthday of Menachem Mendel Schneerson (11 Nissan). Picture of the Inauguration of Education Day: EDUCATION AND SHARING DAY, U.S.A., 2011 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION The future of our Nation depends on our ability to instill in future generations the values that will help them write the next proud chapter of the American story -- a dedication to knowledge and a sense of compassion for their fellow citizens. As we celebrate Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., we recommit to preparing our sons and daughters to thrive with principle and purpose in the 21st century. Over the next decade, nearly half of all new jobs will require advanced training or a college degree. Ensuring our children meet this standard will take the collective commitment of parents, teachers, and communities coming together to instill a love of learning in our young people. By doing so, we can unlock every child's potential and give them the chance to fulfill their dreams, while laying the foundation for our country's continued prosperity. Education alone, however, cannot fully prepare our children to stand at the helm of our Nation. In an increasingly interconnected world, America remains a beacon of hope for many across the globe because of our open hearts during times of extraordinary challenge and our dedication to our common humanity. We must nurture these traits in our children to ensure America continues to be a symbol of promise to the world. On Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., we celebrate the example set by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, who dedicated his life to improving education and fostering goodwill for all people. His legacy continues to inspire individuals to carry forward his effort to build a brighter future. Each year, Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., reminds us of our obligation to create opportunities for a better tomorrow -- life lessons we pass on to all our children. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 15, 2011, as Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth. BARACK OBAMA .