Posted on 06/08/2004 11:30:01 PM PDT by ambrose
Fox: Reagan Library viewing time extended AGAIN... they keep coming...
110k was the most recent figure I heard..
and the libs still don't get it
I will photograph the thank you card, print a copy and have it framed. I won't forget. I'm so glad I did go. I'd have felt guilty for a long long time if I hadn't. I'll keep the original in a safe place, where I can't access it from time to time.
I'm not sure what's best. All I know is that this simple card will always mean a lot to me. I'll tell you a little story.
When I received my card, I had no place to put it to keep it nice on the way down from the library. I carefully held it from the side, up against my chest, taking care not to put my fingers on it, bend it or scratch it.
When I arrived back at the motorhome, Diotima saw it and asked to see it. I appologized to her and said, I'll hold it out and show it to you, but you can't touch it. As I said this I was feeling rather sheepish, but I endured the unconfortable feeling. I thought I could see a little tinge of disbelief in Dio's eyes, as she accepted the offer.
Last night I was talking to Dio as she told me about her trip to the library. Then she said something that I found priceless. When Bob wanted to look at her card, she found that she couldn't let him touch it.
I know it's a simple card, but I will cherish the memory as long as I live. I don't for a moment think that I am the only one.
It was a humbling experience. I took some school kids there Monday after school. That evening, people had as much as 8 hour waits. I pulled two of my four kids out of school (one other high schooler went with her government classes by bus) and went back early this morning (Tuesday). I live in the area and know the surface streets pretty well, so I cut in the back way.
It was, thankfully, somewhat overcast and the temp was only about 75 degrees, with a slight wind from the coast. The people in line for the shuttle buses were great to talk to. Behind us, at one point, were some folks who had come the the US from former soviet-eastern Europe. They knew what the blessing of freedom is all about. there were families with young kids, businessmen in suits, servicement in uniform, Cub Scouts, older couples, all races, creeds, and colors.
People get the idea that California is some loon, leftist state - as a whole. Not so. There are millions of conservatives and libertarians here, and in Ventura County we send some of the most conservative representatives to State government (like State Senator Tom McClintock and Assemblyman Tony Strickland).
When the shuttle buses arrived up the hill at the Presidential Library, the mood became much more solemn. When the line passed into the viewing area I was struck by the dignity of the joint military honor guard. I have to say, that my eyes welled up as I passed the coffin.
I worked for Reagan, beginning in the 1976 Republican Primary. I left private industry to serve in his Administration. I believed in his view on America and Americans.
I wanted my kids, and the kids from the high school to get an understanding about what it means to be an American, especially in troubles times. Prior to 1980 and Reagan's election, we had had a tough 20 years. Reagan made me proud to be an American, and I felt it was appropriate to let my kids and their friends know much they have benefited from his legacy.
My oldest daughter, who is a senior this year (senior class president), brought a small flag with her to the viewing. She is going to take her card (shown in your post) and have it mounted and framed with the flag. It was all her idea.
FNC this morning is saying over 150,000 people paid their respects...
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