SUBJECT: FREEDOM!!!!!!!

Ronald Wilson Reagan

February 6th, 1911 -- June 5th, 2004.

33rd Governor of California (1967-1975).

40th President of the United States of America (1981-1989).

"A people free to choose will always choose peace. "

"Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged."

"How do you tell a communist? Well, it's someone who reads Marx and Lenin. And how do you tell an anti-Communist? It's someone who understands Marx and Lenin."

"It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first."

"Mr Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"

"Of the four wars in my lifetime, none came about because the U.S. was too strong."

" There are no easy answers' but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right."

Ronald Reagan -- "Ronaldus Maximus" -- along with Blessed Pope John Paul II and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher of the United Kingdom -- effectively ended the Cold War.

I had the opportunity to see him personally in October, 1984, at the dedication of the Christopher Columbus statue in Baltimore's Little Italy. I was no more than 100 yards or so away. I was still too young to vote!

I had a ticket to the Second Inauguration in January, 1985 -- the one which was canceled due to the extremely frigid weather.

He would have been 100 years of age today. May he rest in peace. We shall not see his like again.

(And I'm not a Republican!)

Blessings,

Papa Z.

SUBJECT: RELIGION!!!!!!!

Today marks a special day for the Zampino (Wisconsin) family!

Six years ago today, my youngest child, Gianna was baptized in the Catholic Church.

On the same occasion, my wife, who was raised Catholic, was reconciled with the Catholic Church.

On the same occasion, I made my profession of faith in the Catholic Church, and my seven other children were received as well.

I realize and respect that many of my friends and readers (if there are any left!) may disagree with some of my religious opinions and points of view. That's fine.

But for myself, and for my family, six years ago, we came Home.

Many, many thanks to Archbishop Timothy Dolan, sometime Archbishop of Milwaukee, and now Archbishop (and future Cardinal Archbishop) of New York. Many, many thanks to Archbishop Jerome Listecki, the current Archbishop of Milwaukee, and someone whom I admire greatly.

Many, many thanks to Fr. Dennis Klemme, Canon Lawyer Extraordinaire --and my sponsor for my conversion and reception.

Many, many thanks to Fr. William (Bill) Kurz, S.J., and Fr. John Yockey, my Spiritual Directors over the last six years.

Many, many thanks to the priests of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee (and elsewhere) who have supported me and my family. (Fr. Rick Wendell, Fr. Carmelo Guifree, Fr. Antony Thomas, Fr. Mike Ligtner, Fr. Mark Brandl -- and many others . . . )

And many, many thanks to my Pastors at St. Andrew Parish, here in Delavan, WI. Fr. Brian Holbus and Fr. Jim Schuermann. Your support has been above and beyond the call of duty. We all owe so much to both of you!

And to the people of St. Andrew! You've made all the difference! My heart is very full.

God is good, and He has a very Nice Mother!

Blessings,

Papa Z.