RWR to be accompanied by riderless horse named "Sgt. York" in DC funeral procession (photo)

Yahoo News ^ | 6/7/04

[LoudRepublicangirl]

Awesome!!!!, I'm gonna cry like a baby.....

I have been crying off and on since I found out Saturday. Even at work today when I listened to a small exert from his fair well speech on the Sean Hannity show I starting tearing up. This is not going to be an easy week.

[Gator113]

You will have lots of company........

I don't think I cried this much when I lost my mom.....rest her soul.

[Tax-chick]

Horse at President Reagan's funeral:

"For those unfamiliar with horses, the Standardbred is one of only a handful of horse breeds that are genuine American, having been developed here. "Sgt. York" is a particularly beautiful example of the breed."

[Tax-chick]

Shoot, he could ride!

[Carry_Okie]

As you can tell, that's one proud and happy horse.

[rogue yam]

I would hope it's a western saddle.

I have a calendar from the RR Ranch that says Dutch preferred to ride English.

[Carry_Okie]

I have a calendar from the RR Ranch that says Dutch preferred to ride English.

I was thinking of his career as an actor.

[alice_in_bubbaland]

Doing the same for the past two days. I'm sitting here all misty eyed watching Hannity & Colmes & lurking.

[AnAmericanMother]

I would hope it's a western saddle.

Why? President Reagan usually rode in a forward seat (English) hunting saddle. You can see the knee rolls in the shot of him on the white horse.

The caisson unit uses an Army pattern officer's saddle (as opposed to the enlisted men's saddle, which was the McClellan until fairly recently unless they were participating in a drill squad or jumping.) It has a cutback pommel, very high cantle and deep seat, and a straight flap with a slight knee roll. The stirrups are mounted further back than in a forward seat saddle, and when it's ridden in it's with a very straight leg.

You can see all this in the picture if you look closely.

My dad was in the next-to-last active troop of the 2nd Cavalry Div. at Fort Clark TX. That's where he learned to ride, he had never been on a horse until he showed up.

[Oystir]

That's english

[Thumper1960]

The Gipper would be pleased.
Sgt.Alvin York would be pleased.

Heaven is safe. Streets guarded by US Marines, with The Gipper and CMH winner Sgt. York commanding.

;-)

[Carry_Okie]

Why?

Death Valley Days, among other reasons.

[hershey]

I saw that special on Sgt. York, too. He's a small horse, beautiful, perfect for the job. Wonderful to see him get the honor. I'm beaming here...and RR's own boots will be used, too. Couldn't be better...by the way, did you all notice Michael Reagan at the library this afternoon? He came back and stayed alone by the coffin for a few minutes before they let the public in, having one last loving talk with his dad. I was very moved...also seeing Merv Griffin there. He's been such a close and wonderful friend of the Reagans forever. He's one of the pall bearers. I wonder if sometimes he thinks, who knew? You become friends way back, share similar beliefs, chemistry is perfect. And then your best friend, against all odds, becomes gov. of Cal. for two terms, and then Pres. of the US for two terms, frees the world from the communist menace without firing a shot, revolutionizes the economy, gives the country back its sense of pride and place. Absolutely amazing...and all this with a press in bed with the RATs. Well, who says this isn't a great country!

[ExtremeUnction]

I have been crying off and on since I found out Saturday. Even at work today when I listened to a small exert from his fair well speech on the Sean Hannity show I starting tearing up. This is not going to be an easy week.

It's a sad time, I agree. But I'm a person who doesn't cry. I've tried it, and nothing happens. Not even at my father's funeral. Nothing against those who do.

[Indy Pendance]

Thanks for confirming. I didn't have all the details. The story of York is so moving, and to see him have this honor! Thanks....

[Colonel_Flagg]

Churchill died two years after JFK.

[Feiny]

What a beauty. I was able to by the funeral home yesterday, but will not be able to make it to the viewing this week. Luckily, I live in town & can visit the Reagan library anytime.

[spectre]

Yes, and the children watching President Reagan's funeral, will forever remember this horse and his name...

But can I remember "Black Jack".. (From equine heroes:)

"Black Jack was born on January 19, 1947. His breeding was not known, but he was a beautiful black gelding. Black Jack was sent from Fort. Reno, Oklahoma, to the Third Infantry (The Old Guard) at Fort Myer on November 22, 1953. He was named after General John J. "Black Jack" Pershing, Supreme Commander of the American Expeditionary Force in World War I.

He served as a caparisoned (riderless) horse, and took part in the ceremonial functions, including the funerals of Presidents Herbert Hoover, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson and General Douglas MacArthur. His service also included thousands of other funeral processions at Arlington National Cemetery. He was always the riderless horse with boots reversed in the stirrups, a symbol of a fallen hero.

Black Jack was the last horse issued to the Army by the Quartermaster, and he was the last to carry the "U.S." brand all army horses had. Black Jack was semi-retired on June 1, 1973, and died February 6, 1976, at the age of 29. His ashes were placed in an urn at his monument at Fort. Meyer, Virginia."

sw

[Professional Engineer]

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[HairOfTheDog]

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