Thank you for this wonderful post.
When I saw all the like minded people paying their respects yesterday, I thought about Dan's Bake Sale in Ft. Collins, Colorado. There have only been two times in my life when I felt I was truly among my own. The first was when I lived in Israel for a time after High school and the second time was at Dan's Bake Sale. I'm assuming you all know what Dan's Bake Sale was.
I stood at the corner of Third and Constitution, where the crowd was so large that the police at one point had to tell every one to get back up on the sidewalk.
After seeing the caisson and the rideless horse and the limosine with Mrs. Reagan (who graciously waved to all of us) pass by, I walkesd over to get in line to go into the Capitol to say good-bye to President Reagan.
A few observations.
The Red Cross was handing out free bottles of water to anyone that wanted them. I thanked one of the volunteers for being there and for the water, and he said that this is what a part of contributions to the Red Cross go to fund. I meade a promise to myself to give something to the Red Cross.
The view from the Capitol's Westr Side was breathtaking. I have lived here in DC since 1974, and have never been to that side of the Capitol. The Capitol Policeman who was there told me and the people I had met while waiting in line that we were among the first group of people to see that view since 9/11. I remarked that it was the same view President Reagan had both times he was inaugerated (and before his inaugerations, the ceremonies had always been on the East Side of the Capitol.
As we entered into the Rotunda, through an entry way that had been draped in black crepe, there were a few people standing there. One was an older, distinguished looking man who thanked each person for coming. I thought that was so nice -- to be thanksed for coming to the Capitol.
On my way out, I tried to thank as many police officers and other members of the Capitol Staff for their gracious welcome into the rotunda.
Thanks Joanie!
I had planned to drive my Mom and son down to California for the processional to the burial...but my Mom was ill this morning and so I am here with her and we will have to settle for being there in spirit...though I so wanted to go.
So, your and RobfromGA reports mean all the more to me.
Thank you again so much for sharing the spirit, the moment and the importance of this event. The pictures are OUTSTANDING!
Under the circumstances, when I read your report, and Gail and my mother read it with me, the emotion and feeling were almost as if though I had been able to be there.
God bless you Joanie...God bless and rest Ronald Reagan, God keep and comfort Nancy...and may God grant that we shall not forget, but that we shall forge forward in defense of liberty and this nation that President Reagan loved so much.
Very nice report. Thank you.
Great pictures! Great thread!
Beautiful, just beautiful!
Thank you, Joanie!
WOW! Bump for later read!
AWESOME as always!
Can't say how I knew, but I knew you were there.
Knew you'd give me (& everyone else) the chance to live the experience, through you & your eyes.
Just knew it.
You didn't disappoint, joanie.
Thank you.
"I have not enjoyed so much uplifting, 'kindred spirit’, meaningful political conversations in recent memory."
No less than a Devine, renewing experience I would have to say.
Proving once again the positive effect that man had on so many people, even in death.
That kind of man never dies, joanie.
Ronald Reagan will never be further than a thought away.
"And, despite the physical closeness, the heat, and the security concerns, the crowd was also permeated with a decency and honesty that made one feel at home and completely relaxed."
Compare your above account with what you related a week or so ago, when last in DC.
...truly remarkable.
Wonderful job Joanie...Now I'm all weepy eyed again..good going!!
Thanks for bringing ALL of us Freepers along!
G
Beautiful thoughts, beautiful pictures. Thank you.
Excellent post, thanks! From your pictures at 1600 Conn, we were in back and to the left of you a couple of yards. An outstanding evening I'll never forget.
Thank you so much for this beautiful thread joanie.
bump for publicity
THIS is what FR is all about. Thank you for sharing. Thank you for your words. I intend to send them to a bunch of people. I hope you don't mind. ;o)