Reagan's words on family get child's teary reception

November 15, 1982

President Reagan praised the values of family life and volunteerism, but was almost drowned out by a bawling 2-year-old girl who expected to find presents instead of a President at the White House.

In special ceremonies underlining some of his bedrock beliefs, Reagan proclaimed Nov. 21-27 National Families Week. After signing the proclamation, the President walked to the fifth row of the audience to personally greet the child, Kerry Hunt of Gaithersburg, Md. He joked, ''I have to shake the hand of the person who did the duet with me.''