a) Ronald Reagan

Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, began the unique tradition of leaving a personal letter for the incoming President in the Oval Office. This tradition started when Reagan left a note for his successor, George H.W. Bush, in 1989. The contents of these letters, often characterized by personal reflections and words of encouragement, have varied from president to president but have come to symbolize the peaceful transfer of power and the camaraderie that can exist beyond political differences. Reagan’s initiation of this tradition has been followed by each succeeding president, becoming a cherished ritual of American presidential inaugurations and a testament to the nation’s enduring democratic values.