A group of prominent Republicans is campaigning to have Ronald Reagan replace Alexander Hamilton on the $10 bill.

Tuesday, April 17, 2001

A group of prominent Republicans is campaigning to have Ronald Reagan replace Alexander Hamilton on the $10 bill. That’s not all. They want a Reagan memorial erected on the National Mall and they want every state in the union to have at least one Reagan landmark. Letters have been sent to state officials urging them to offer suggestions.

The head of the Ronald Reagan Legacy Project envisions memorials such as a mountain range in Alaska or a highway in South Dakota. After all, Grover Norquist pointed out, there are hundreds of parks, schools and whatever named for John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. Reagan should be equally honored.

So adamant is the group that one member of Congress has threatened to hold up federal funds for the Washington area subway system unless the subway airport stop is renamed for Reagan.

Reagan deserves the admiration and affection of all Americans. He will have it regardless of how many airports or aircraft carriers bear his name.

The push for recognition now is unseemly, particularly when it is clear he has not long to live. Reagan’s letter telling the American people that he has Alzheimer’s was typical of the man’s gallantry and grace. Members of the legacy project should remember who it is they seek to honor.