Published: March 06, 2008 07:26 pm         

Rockwall County Republicans celebrate two firsts at Reagan Day event

By Leslie Gibson

Herald-Banner Staff



Energy was high in the Reagan Day Dinner Feb. 29 in the full banquet hall of Rockwall County Republicans and their many guests, who were participating two firsts. It was the county Republicans’ first annual Reagan Day Dinner, and the Hilton Bella Harbor’s first banquet.

Workers had put finishing touches in place that day, and by the 6 p.m. event, the large banquet hall in shades of cream and gold with sparkling chandeliers created a spacious and warm backdrop for the 300 plus attendees.

They purchased items in the silent auction, partook of a simple and well-prepared meal, and gave applause, laughter and attentive listening to all of the speakers, of whom U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison was the keynote.

Attorney General Greg Abbott provided a humorous and vigorous closing address to a night which included watching of President Ronald Reagan’s Berlin Wall speech.

Colors were presented by Boys Scouts Troop 312, including Travis Tankersly, Eagle Scout, Josh Thompson, Seth Thompson, Michael Kelly and Zach Tressler, and Cub Scouts Pack 312, including Cailean Stevenson and Michael McWhorter.

The Rockwall-Heath High School Varsity Chorale sang patriotic music.

State Rep. Jodie Laubenberg and State Sen. Bob Deuell spoke, and local Republican Party Primary candidates were introduced by the president of the Young Republicans Aaron Moore.

The meal was the same menu Reagan had in his inaugural dinner, consisting of salad, chicken and asparagus, and strawberry/rasberry dessert.