[MadIvan]

Not bad. If I may attempt a precis on Senator Hagel's words, and an embellishment - Ronald Reagan was the embodiment of the American spirit: its optimism, its bravery, its principles and its generosity and its achievement. This will be sorely missed.

Regards, Ivan

In memoriam

[MadIvan]

Ping!

[jojodamofo]

RONALD W. REAGAN! This name was at the absolute center of every major world event for eight years. The once unknown radio announcer from Dixon, Illinois became the leader of the free world. In a few years he led America from one success to another, reinforcing its status as a world power. The newspapers of the entire world first mocked him, then found ever new ways to libel him. According to his enemies, Ronald W. Reagan was a true devil, the embodiment of all evil.

The more one knew him, the more one had to love and honor him. Our children and children's children will envy us because we were fellow workers and fighters of this greatest and best American.

[schmelvin]

Beautiful article, and so true. Got me crying again, which I've been doing a lot this week, even though I'm quite stoic usually.

Ronald Reagan was more than just a great man, he was a good man. A truly, truly good man. Such a rare thing to find in politics, as power tends to twist and corrupt most formerly decent men. But, Reagan stayed the course, stayed true to himself, his Creator, his country and countrymen. His motives never needed to be second-guessed. He could always be counted on to be firmly in freedom's corner.

He really was the embodiment of the American spirit. At a time when we'd forgotten what we looked like, along came Reagan to serve as a great and shining mirror. His body has died, but his spirit lives on. It lives on in us. And, thanks to Ronald Reagan, the American spirit now even lives in places like Grenada, Eastern Europe, and Russia. We will sorely miss him, but perhaps God missed him too, and that's why He called him home.

I will be paying my last respects to this great (and good) man tonight. Since, I'm fortunate enough to live in Northern Virginia, I'll be leaving for D.C around sunset and will stand in line all night in the rain if I have to for a chance to say farewell to this President who I can honestly say that I loved. It's something I just have to do. I can't stay away.

MadIvan, I know how much you loved him too, and that it must pain you to be an ocean away. Is there anything you want me to do or say on your behalf while I'm there? I'll be more than happy to oblige.

It's great to see you posting again, even though the circumstances that brought you back are so sad. I'm glad you're here. It's been a sorrowful week, and your renewed presence on FR has lifted my spirits and brought some comfort. Count me among the many FReepers who welcome you back. You were sorely missed, too.

Regards, Kellyliz