Thatcher says a final farewell to Reagan

The Daily Telegraph ^ | June 10, 2004 | Staff

[MadIvan]

Baroness Thatcher has paid her last respects to her "dearest friend", the former American president Ronald Reagan, whose body is lying in state in Washington.

Lady Thatcher salutes her "dearest friend"

The former Conservative leader placed a shaky hand on the flag-draped coffin in the Capitol Rotunda. Lady Thatcher closed her eyes as she rested her hand upon the casket, before slowly moving past.

Earlier Mr Reagan's wife, Nancy, ran her hand along the coffin's length, a look of anguish on her face.

The body of the 40th President was taken to Washington after lying in repose at his official library in California in preparation for the funeral tomorrow.

The ceremony will be attended by the Prince of Wales and Prime Minister Tony Blair. Baroness Thatcher will join President George W Bush in eulogising Mr Reagan.

Afterwards, there will be a private burial back at the Reagan library.

Before the lying in state began, the coffin was conveyed through the streets by a horse-drawn caisson. A riderless horse joined the procession to symbolise a fallen leader and a pair of Mr Reagan's boots were turned backward in the stirrups to signify the loss of a rider.

Twenty-one military jets performed a fly-by, with one soaring high above the group to mark the former president's passing.

Mr Reagan died surrounded by his wife, his daughter Patti Davis and son Ron Reagan on Saturday, aged 93, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease.

[BibChr]

Is there a link, or was that live? I've been looking and asking for a clip online of Lady Thatcher's viewing.

Dan

[Corporate Law]

"Truly the end of the twentieth century", as my father put it as we watched the news this evening. I looked at him in quiet amazement, and nodded. I'd never thought of that, but in reality it's so very apt.

Very wise words indeed.

[Corporate Law]

I agree. Neither Ford nor Carter will do it, though Clinton, as a two-termer, probably will. Hopefully, whenever that happens, we'll all show the same class we're hoping the Dems will show now.

I thought about that after reading the posts regarding the "good time" they were having over at DUmmies, and knew that we have far too much class to carry on in that manner. Even if the majority of conservatives would not feel any sense of sadness when Clinton passes, they would not express it, and would instead offer the respectful condolences to those who would mourn his passing. That is the stark contrast between them and us, the knowledge to know when to behave, to act as an adult, and not to continue to act like a child.

[ELS]

You might try C-SPAN.org Look for the clip of the "State Funeral Ceremony." Mrs. Reagan was, of course, the first to approach the casket, then Speaker Hastert, IIRC, and then Mrs. Thatcher.

[BibChr]

Thanks! I'll head over!

Dan