He’s a Jovial 75 : It’s Reagan’s Birthday: He’s ’24 Celsius’

WASHINGTON —  President Reagan, in a jovial mood on his birthday, quipped today that he may be 75 “but remember, that’s only 24 Celsius.”

The President said he feels “just like I’m 39.”

Reagan’s wife, Nancy, surprised him with a six-layer cake following the President’s pep talk to members of his Cabinet and other federal appointees. She cut a slice and gave it to the beaming Reagan.

“Ever have a roommate that tricked you?” he joked.

On his 75th birthday, Reagan also received greetings from world leaders and from an estimated 3,200 people gathered for the National Prayer Breakfast.

Feels 39

During a session in the Oval Office, where he signed his annual economic report, Reagan reminded reporters of his birthday and said he felt as if he were only 39.

One reporter replied, “Well, you only look 39.”

“You’re my favorite fellow, you made my day,” Reagan responded with a laugh.

In a more thoughtful vein, Reagan said that over 75 years “I’m a little amazed at our generation . . . that our generation has moved from the horse and buggy, to a plane that can get to Tokyo in two hours, in a single lifetime.”

Peace as Present

Asked what he would like for a birthday present, the President responded, “Some of these things that we are doing to be accomplished--further advances to peace.”

At the prayer breakfast, Vice President George Bush presented Reagan with a box he said contained birthday messages from leaders of more than 100 nations.

Then, for himself, he said, “Happy Birthday, Mr. President,” and the audience, including many members of Congress and the Cabinet, sang “Happy Birthday to You.”

Reagan responded: “I am enormously touched. Yes, today is my birthday. Seventy-five years ago I was born in Tampico, Ill., in a little flat above the bank building. We didn’t have any other contact with the bank. And here I am sort of living above the store again.”