LOS ANGELES, Oct. 21 (Xinhuanet) -- US President George W. Bush Friday launched the new Air Force One exhibit at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California, before concluding his two-day fundraising visit to southern Califonia.

    He said the Air Force One, a Boeing 707, which was disassembled,transported and rebuilt at the Reagan library and museum, had carried "freedom's message across oceans and continents."

    The aircraft, served as Air Force One from 1973 to 2001 and used by seven presidents from Richard Nixon to George Bush, would be at the center of the new exhibit, which is to open to the public Monday.

    "It was President Reagan's dream to share Air Force One with the American people by bringing this plane to his presidential library,'' Bush told a crowd of more than 500 guests.

    With the new exhibit open, "Americans will have the chance to experience firsthand the majesty and the power of this incredible aircraft," he said. "This is an important contribution to the history of America.''

    Former First Lady Nancy Reagan was on hand for Friday's openingceremony at the Reagan library, where the president also participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at Reagan's grave.

    ``It seems like yesterday that Ronnie and I took our last flight aboard Air Force One -- as we headed west for what he playfully called `retirement,''' Nancy Reagan said.

    ``Retirement would never be -- our life's work would be this library and all it would become,'' said the 84-year-old former first lady.

    She said that the completion of this project was the realization of Reagan's dream to attract individuals from all walks of life to his library so they might learn about the presidency and American leadership in the world.

    The three-floor Air Force One Pavilion opened Friday also includes Marine One, the presidential helicopter, used when Lyndon Johnson was president in the 1960s, a presidential motorcade featuring Regan's 1984 parade limousine and exhibits on air travelfrom the Dixie Clipper used by Franklin Delano Roosevelt to the current Air Force One.

    Bush and his wife, Laura, toured the plane with Nancy Reagan after the ceremony, as the band played the ``Air Force Hymn.''

    Among the dignitaries in the crowd were former California governor Pete Wilson, former US Attorney General Ed Meese and Reagan Foundation trustee Merv Griffin.

    California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger turned down the president's invitation to attend the ceremony, saying he had to spend the time on his campaign for the special election on November 8.

    Bush, who arrived here Thursday, helped raise 1 million dollarsfor the Republican National Committee at a Thursday evening dinner for 100 couples at a home in the Beverly Hills area. Enditem