Sandy and I arrived at the FReeper motorhome parked in the Moorpark College parking lot around 2:00 p.m. There we talked to BobJ, Diotima and a number of other FReepers until 3:30.
At three thirty we walked to the end of the line and waiting in line from 3:37 until 6:32. At 6:32 we boarded a bus and traveled to the Reagan Library. We stood in line there for about thirty minutes. As we road the bus to the library, we realized the line we stood in for nearly three hours, was at least twice as long as it had been when we started. I would estimate it was over a mile long, as it wound it's way over, around, through, and back and forth on the campus. It was a grueling line, that moved well at times, then didn't at others.
Entering the Reagan Library, we walked straight in toward the casket, around the right side, behind it to the left and back out essentially the way we came in. The casket rested on a black velvet draped beir. The beir rested on a blue carpet, end toward the entry way. Standing at the foot were two representatives of the military services, facing the casket, backs to the entry way. Three other members of the honor guard stood at the other end of the casket, facing the entry way. They were very impressive.
Folks talked about seeing the changing of the honor guard. They were very impressed.
The time spent in the presence of President Reagan's casket, was only long enough to impress you of his continuing stature, the reverence with which people held him, the incredible respect shown by the military honor guard, and the overwhelming emotion that affects each person differently.
I have deep respect for Reagan. I didn't find the experience to be an overly emotional one for me, but it was a sad day. I have come to understand that there comes a time in life when you are ready to rest eternally. Considering Reagan's final years, I am happy for him. He served us well.
Some of the other men admitted that their eyes welled up as they entered the viewing area. I won't deny that I was moved by the experience.
Some people will spend in excess of eight to ten hours from the time they start waiting to park, until they leave the parking space, to spend a few moments in the presence of Ronald Reagan. I felt compelled to pay my respects to this man. I am glad I did, even though it took just under four hours to do so.
As we drove away from the library cars were backed on the Ronald Reagan Freeway for four miles to the east. As the freeway wound around the curves to the west, nothing but carlights could be seen, their occupants waiting to pay last respects to a man who changed the world.
In line we saw whites, blacks, hispanics, asians..., you name it, they were there. From young children to people who needed help getting around, people from every demographic were represented. Folks in the area by chance had decided to add an impromptu pilgramage to their travel plans.
Claudia Bermudez, daughter of a prominant Contra Freedom Fighter, stoped by the motorhome this afternoon. We talked for twenty minutes or so. She hoped that people would remember that Reagan rescued her people from communism.
Some of us will Claudia.
My eyes welled up too, Ron.
Hey DoughtyOne.... KCBS 2 news just reported a 8 to 10 mile back up on the 118 fwy as of 11:30 PM just to exit to the collage drive.....Im glad I went when I did ant 10 AM... there was no back up on the fwy and that time and it was packed at the collage then
PS nice to meet you and your wife today
Thank you both for letting us know about the outpouring of love and respect for President Reagan
Thank you.