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SatMar 30

National I Am In Control Day – March 30, 2024

National I am in Control Day is observed annually on March 30. The day is commemorated for two reasons. First, to encourage people to take control of their lives. Second, there was an assassination attempt made on the president of the U.S. on March 30, 1981. The then-Secretary of State Alexander Haig took control of the situation and, while answering questions in a press briefing uttered the famous words, “I am in control.” 

History of National I Am In Control Day

This day motivates us to take back control of our lives and decide on our actions wisely. While walking outside the Washington Hilton Hotel, President Reagan was shot by John Hinckley. The bullet was fired using a 0.22 caliber pistol. The president had completed addressing a meeting when six shots were fired at him. Attempts were also made on three of the president’s attendants — Secretary James Brady, Secret Service agent Timothy McCarthy, and Thomas Delahanty. 

After the assassination attempt, John Hinckley was captured while President Reagan was rushed to the hospital. In a press briefing, Alexander Haig tried to calm the media and the press by assuring them that the government was functioning well in the absence of the president and the vice president. He declared that he was in control of the government decisions until the vice president returned.

People considered the words of Alexander Haig as controversial. They thought that he was trying to take the authority and trying to take the place of the president. Alexander Haig later clarified his statement and declared that he had no such intentions and he was simply taking responsibility for the executive branch of the government until President Reagan and the vice president returned.

The room where the press briefing took place has been called the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room since then. James Brady was one of President Reagan’s attendants and was injured severely in the shooting.

National I Am In Control Day timeline

March 30, 1981
President Reagan is Shot

On March 30, an assassination attempt is made on President Reagan and he is shot in the chest.

April 11, 1981
President Reagan Returns

President Reagan returns to the White House on April 11.

1982
John Hinckley Found Not Guilty

John Hinckley is found not guilty due to his mental condition.

1993
James Brady becomes a Gun Control Advocate

After surviving a near-death experience, James Brady becomes a gun-control advocate and Congress passes the ‘Brady Bill.’

National I Am In Control Day FAQs

Who took a bullet for Ronald Reagan?

Timothy McCarthy came forward to protect President Reagan while shots were fired at him. McCarthy stepped in front of the President and took a bullet to the chest.

 

How many U.S presidents have been assassinated?

Assassination attempts have been made on the lives of one in every four presidents of the U.S.

 

What was John Hinckley’s motivation?

According to John Hinckley, he wanted to impress actress Jodie Foster, who starred in the movie “Taxi Driver”. He tried to copy the main character of the movie.

How to Observe National I Am In Control Day

  1. Start keeping a daily planner

    This day mostly focuses on how to take control of a difficult situation. To tackle hard issues and plan your daily tasks you can start by keeping a daily planner.

  2. Declutter the unneeded things

    If you are thinking about getting rid of all the unnecessary things in your life, then this is the day! Start by throwing out all the things that haven’t been used for a year and get rid of the less important stuff. This way, you will be able to make some space in your house and start afresh to be able to manage the more important things better.

  3. Learn organizational skills

    A good leader is always organized. Take on some new habits to be more organized in your daily routine. Even if it means just keeping things in their place. The more organized you are, the more you will be able to focus your mind on tackling difficult situations.

5 Facts About National I Am In Control Day That Will Shock You

  1. President Reagan was almost fatally injured

    On this day, President Reagan was shot in the left lung and the bullet just missed his heart.

  2. President Reagan’s popularity increased after the incident

    President Reagan’s popularity increased after the assassination attempt and on the day when he returned to the White House, the president was given a hero’s welcome by Congress.

  3. James Brady created the ‘Brady Bill’

    After going through brain surgery, James Brady created the ‘Brady Bill,’ which established a five-day waiting period and enforced background checks for gun buyers.

  4. John Hinckley’s personality disorder

    John Hinckley was declared not guilty because he was diagnosed with a personality disorder — he was inspired by the 1976 movie “Taxi Driver,” in which the main character tries to kill a senator.

  5. John Hinckley was placed in an institution

    Due to Hinckley’s mental condition, he was kept in a mental institution named St. Elizabeth Hospital.

Why National I Am In Control Day is Important

  1. To get life in order

    We celebrate this day to get our lives in order. This day motivates us to organize and plan our priorities.

  2. Feeling in control makes us happy

    The feeling of being organized and having control over our tasks and responsibilities keep us happy and fresh. It improves our mood and overall health.

  3. Practice makes us perfect

    If we practice keeping things organized and work according to our plans then it makes us better at dealing with day-to-day difficult situations.

National I Am In Control Day dates

YearDateDay
2024March 30Saturday
2025March 30Sunday
2026March 30Monday
2027March 30Tuesday
2028March 30Thursday

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