STYX News
Ronald Reagan 1911-2004: Meeting the President in 1996
In 1996 we were invited to meet President Reagan at his office in Santa Monica during a stop on our "Return To Paradise" tour. Jeanne and I, Chuck Panozzo, Dennis DeYoung, STYX manager Charlie Brusco and our tour manager George Packer sat patiently in his reception area, talking to the friendly staff, the Secret Service and Dr. John E. Hutton, who was Mr. Reagan's personal physician during his presidency. Dr. Hutton told us how strong a constitution Mr. Reagan possessed, and how sad it was to see a man who, aside from suffering from Alzheimer's disease, was the healthiest men he knew.
Suddenly his secretary came out and announced, "The President will see you now." I was closest to the door and stepped forward, not knowing how close I was, and rounding the corner came face to face with Ronald Reagan, who smiled and extended his hand, and gave me a firm a handshake I'll never forget. I was not prepared for how emotional an experience it would be. None of us seemed to be. As we stood in a semi-circle around Mr. Reagan for photographs I knew that my eyes were red because I was so close to tears I had to think of other thoughts to get it together. I realized later when I saw the photograph, that everyone's eyes were rimmed in red eyelids. Mr. Reagan was very patient and gracious, as his friendly staff explained to him who we were and what we did. As he stood for a photograph with my wife Jeanne, a career stylist who naturally assesses all those she meets, she could not resist lightly running her fingers through his hair in the back, and commenting to him what wonderful hair he had. He was, as any man would be, flattered and sweet the way he blushed a little bit and happily thanked her for the compliment. I think I like the photo of him and Jeanne together the best, because it was within seconds of this exchange and his face is still a little flushed.
We looked at photos on his shelf of himself with some of his favorite world leaders. Before we knew it, our time was up and we said our thank yous and good-byes, and I knew it would likely be the last time I saw him. As I shook his hand one more time I told him, "You were my favorite President." He smiled with that kind of "Aw shucks" charm that still came through even though he was clearly not as communicative as we once knew him to be, yet still very much there at that time, coming to his office every day and doing light work, still being and feeling connected. Again, I swallowed hard to keep my composure. I meant what I said too.
Without being political here, which I don't mean to do at all, my memory of the Reagan years is one of a time of restored hope, renewed pride and confidence in the leader of our country who did his job with humility and a twinkle in his eye, the firm belief in the good in all of us prevailing over the darkness of doubt, and doing whatever it took to restore the Great American Spirit. Ending the Cold War without firing a single shot.
Rest in peace, Mr. Reagan. Your work here is finished, your mission was accomplished.
Tommy Shaw
Here's the article from Styxworld for those who didn't see it yet. Um, I read it and didn't see anyone being called a "crybaby". I'm sure it was emotional for all them during that visit.
I thought it was a nice gesture for Tommy to mention everyone that was with him that day, including mentioning Dennis.
I
personally don't think Tommy has any issues with Dennis
anymore, reading his interviews these past few months. I
personally think it's JY that has the issues.
Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2004 2:52 pm
but he also called him a crybaby 
. If you think I am pulling your leg I invite you to read it for yourself.
????