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About 725 people, including President Bush and first lady Laura Bush, gathered at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley on a foggy morning today for the official dedication of the Air Force One Pavilion.
Those on hand for the invitation-only event saw former first lady Nancy Reagan cut the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the pavilion that contains the Boeing 707 that served as Air Force One during the administration of her late husband.
Dignitaries on hand included Rep. Elton Gallegly, R-Simi Valley, former California Gov. Pete Wilson, businessman and former presidential candidate Steve Forbes, television personality Merv Griffin and former attorney general Edwin Meese.
President Bush, who compared Reagans fight against communism to his fight against terrorism, drew a laugh from the crowd when he pointed out deficiencies in the road that his motorcade traveled coming to the library. "Mayor Paul Miller thank for coming. The only advice I have is fill the potholes," the president said.
The president also said the opening of the pavilion gives Americans the opportunity to experience the magnificence and power of the Boeing 707 aircraft.
The only real disappointment to the days activities was the fog, which kept the guests from seeing the U.S. Air Force Thunderbird jets do a flyover maneuver. The fog limited their participation to a roar heard by those in attendance.
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