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Posted on 06/07/2004 9:51:26 PM PDT by Sabertooth
I just got back from the Reagan Library a couple of hours ago, to pay final respects to President Reagan. The scene is crowded, but orderly. I went with my daughter, and our wait in line was a couple of hours for the shuttle from Moorpark Junior College. The line looked to be twice as long when we got back, snaking down the back lawn of the campus
Quite a few folks brought kids, which I think is a great thing. Not only was President Reagan immensely fond of children, his memorial will forever be a touchstone in their lives. It's important, I think, to convey to children early on that they are a part of History.
For this reason more than anything, I wanted to attend for my daughter’s sake. She's sixteen, and once when she was eight she got to spend about 15 minutes one-on-one with President Reagan at his office in Century City. He was the kindest, most genial man imaginable. So, I wanted her to have the chance to say good-bye, and thank you.
As our shuttle bus turned past the sign at the entrance to the Reagan Library, we saw the mounds of flowers and many American Flags planted there by the President’s mourners. On the street lamp on the opposite corner was a banner with a portrait of George Washington. More portraits gazed at us through time as we made our way up the winding hill -- Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe – every President that ever served this great nation. Simple streetlamp banners serving notice that we were making our way through History up to that little “City on the Hill” that is the Reagan Library.
At the top of the hill there is a rocky peak above and adjacent to the library, where we saw a white easy-up tent and Secret Service men stationed as sentries. My daughter and I got off our bus and filed into the main courtyard, where a mighty bronze eagle holds a bronzed Old Glory in his talons. The eagle is perched on a pedestal made of red granite, white marble, and what I took to be blue lapis lazuli, arranged in stars and stripes. The top rim of the pedestal is inlaid with brass plaques reproducing the signatures of the men who signed the U.S. Constitution. History made tangible.
As we entered the Library’s Main Lobby where the President was lying in repose, across the hall from us one white-haired old soldier paused as he was leaving. He saluted one last time to his fallen Commander in Chief and brother-in-arms against the great tyrannies of the Twentieth Century.
There was a solemn majesty to seeing the President's flag-draped casket, watched over by a motionless Color Guard. My daughter teared up, and I found myself touched by the simple, yet mythic nature of the moment, much like that of the man himself. For before me lay a warrior at peace, a hero who had changed the world for all of us, called home and called to merciful rest by his Creator.
The world has changed once again with his passing.
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This is a beautiful and touching account. Thank you for sharing it.
Thanks for your sharing your thoughts and experience. Reagan touched so many of us, in so many ways. To use a cliche, he was a uniter rather than a divider, for that critical mass that makes America so special and unique.
Beautifully, movingly written - your love of our President, of our Country, is evident. You have quite a soul, Sabertooth.
Thank you.
Nancy putting her head earlier on Ronnie's flag draped coffin was very touching for me today.
They were not only wonderful servants of the people, but had a real story book romance.
May God bless and take care of the family and all of us who grieve the loss of this wonderful person and great President of our beloved United States.
Thanks for the report. Your daughter is so blessed to have met and talked with President Reagan.
You painted a beautiful picture for me. Thanks
Thanks Saber. Very nice.
You have quite a way with words. I thought I was calmed down since Sunday but everything makes me teary. I didn't realize how much I loved Mr. Reagan. May he find joy and peace in his new home in God's arms.
Thank you for sharing this touching account with us.
I wish I could be there, too...
Nancy softly touching her cheek to the casket was such a sweet but sad moment.
I pray for all of them as they grieve and yet must go through the exhaustion of the days ahead.
But they all know that Ronald Reagan deserves no less than the tribute and ceremony we are seeing and it is gracious of them to give that back to us, as we loved him too.
ping
Thank you for your eloquent and moving description of your experience.
I visited the Reagan Library in 1996 and recall the beautiful statue of the bronze eagle.
IMHO the architecture and setting or the Reagan Library makes it the most beautiful of all the presidential libraries.
I especially liked your analogy of the Library being a symbol of his 'shining city on a hill'.
We all knew he couldn't live forever, and his death is a release from that dreadful illness...but it is so sad to know that he is no longer with us.
Many times I have wished he had been able to speak to us; especially after 9-11-01. Hearing all his moving speeches this week; seeing him stride confidently; tell a joke and wave....has given him back to America....for a loving last goodbye.
God Speed Ronaldus Maximus....to that shining city!
Please FReepmail me if you want on or off my infrequent ‘miscellaneous’ ping list.
Thanks so much for taking us with you. It means so much to be able to share him with each other.
Sea-winds blown from east and west,
Blown from the Eastern sea and from the Western sea, till there from the prairies on meeting,
These and with these and the breath of my chant,
I'll perfume the grave of him I love.
We loved him well and now our beloved President goes on the wings of angels to Eternity.
AMEN
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