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In Budapest, the day was marked by the unveiling of a just-over lifesize bronze statue of Ronald Reagan, standing in a prominent position in Szabadság (Freedom) Square, in sight of both the American embassy and the Hungarian parliament.
The event was supported by a full-dress squad of Hungarian soldiers with marching band and speeches, endorsing Reagan's pivotal role in ending Soviet communism, from Condoleeza Rice, Presidential advisor Ed Meece and Hungarian PM Orbán Viktor.
It must be hoped that Budapestiek will appreciate this monument to the power of American positive thinking, so significantly placed at the most northern end of the square. There is every chance they may, given acknowledgement that Reagan's statemanship and personal commitment to freedom were vital in enabling Hungarians and other Eastern Europeans to finally escape the Soviet yoke.
The only doubts I feel - that they may think Americanism is being laid on with too heavy a trowel - centre on the developments within direct view of Reagan's new statue at the north-east corner of the square. Here, the American embassy building is being surrounded by such extensive security measures that some may consider it overkill.
A previously charming public thoroughfare is now US property and is being sealed from the public by layers of tall fences of steel. Anti-vehicle bollards have sprouted around the building like seeds and now also invade areas of the square's gardens.
My own view is that Szabadság tér is sufficiently large, open and grand to dwarf even an obtrusive US presence. But much may depend on the final cosmetics once the welders, diggers and electricians have gone.
N.B. An identical statue was erected in London's Grosvenor Square a week later. But Budapest got its Ronnie first.
