Sound like we were up ther arount the same time....I just wanted to share the scan I made of the "Thank You" card handed to each person as they exited the viewing....
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.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Saber.
Thanks for posting this thread. I posted this on another thread because this wasn't up yet when I started typing:
I went and said goodbye to my hero today. Just got home - 8 1/2 hours later. It was an experience I will never forget. It was overwhelming. I cried. I can't explain the feeling. It's still hard to believe.
We filed past the casket just before 8pm. We only had to wait in line for 3 and a half hours. (after 3 hours just waiting to get off the exit on the freeway) The line is soooo much longer now. It's awesome - the love for this man. And everyone so patient and respectful, waiting.
The red cross was there handing out water to those waiting in line. I was thankful for that!
Very descriptive. Thanks.
Sound like we were up ther arount the same time....I just wanted to share the scan I made of the "Thank You" card handed to each person as they exited the viewing....
Another friend of mine called me today to speak of the two fathers he had and now has lost in his lifetime.
One was his birth father who was an admired judge and good man, the other was Ronald Reagan.
He felt that Ronald was very much a father to this whole country and the loss felt by many are so similar to the loss of a dad.
I agree, it is a loss to this nation that feels like the loss of a family member.
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Thanks for sharing to those of us who can only watch from afar.
Thanks for your report, thanks for "going for me."
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Eloquent report Saber. Thanks
The Nancy Reagan was at my parents home for a fundraiser during his gubernatorial run and it was a high point of all of our lives. We thought we would meet "The Man" but didn't that night. He truly is the same in person as on the screen. A true gentleman and a true American. I love that man ..... that True American Hero.
GOD bless Ronald Wilson Reagan.
Nam Vet
Sabertooth At the top of the library drive did you see a flag with six Greek letters Delta on it draped over a heage?... I'm not sure what it was for
Outstanding on-scene report. Thanks very much.
I was watching live coverage of the viewing on C-SPAN tonight. It was all so very moving. Huge crowd.
I can only imagine what DC will look like later this week.
Thanks for the first hand report Sabertooth. As I watched live it was profound and powerful to see that even in death President Ronald Wilson Reagan was still triumphant over his critics as so many of this nation showed up to say goodbye to him. It was good to see so many kids there hopefully they will be inspired by his optimism and will continue his legacy.
It's been a tough weekend, and is liable to be a tough week
I thank God for this mandate to reaquaint myself with my core. I am quite surprised by the depth of my grief.
Sabertooth At the top of the library drive did you see a flag with six Greek letters Delta on it draped over a heage?... I'm not sure what it was for
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Thank you for a beautiful account of your visit. Those of us too far away from either California or DC really appreciate you taking us there with you.
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