Posted on 06/11/2004 8:22:42 PM PDT by Bob J
I knew I'd lose it. I cried when I first heard, days ago, but tonite it started with the 'Battle Hymn'. I knew the bagpiper would be it- and he was. Amazing Grace on bagpipes really breaks my heart. All I could think as I cried and watched was that this was history, and we were honored to have shared the time with a giant among men.
I knew it would hurt when he died- I just never realized how much I loved Ronald Reagan and how this country felt with him as its leader.
I think we cry for our country too- for how it was, and for how we want it to be again. I don't want to think those days were once and no more, that they can never come again.
And mine too. The greatest person I ever knew, My Grandfather. That's why this week goes way beyond just the passing of a President. I saw my grandmother when I looked at Nancy's face when she was at the casket. I can't describe it. It goes so deep.
This week has been such a tremendously emotional week for me personally. There hasn't been a day since learning of his death that something said, seen or heard hasn't made me teary-eyed:
-Nancy's first public display of emotion over President Reagan's flag draped casket
-The endless stream of average Americans passing silently around the biers in California and Washington: some old veterans saluting; some young boy scouts; the Native American dressed in his traditional dress complete with feathered headress; the young soldier with no hands saluting; some crying; some with hands over hearts; some with business suits; some in shorts and tee- shirts; some old; some babies with their wide-eyed innocence; some handicapped; all respectful.
-The complete beauty of the procession on Wednesday with the horse-drawn caison. Nancy's gracious and (I think) heartfelt response to the crowd as they clapped and one lone voice called out, "God Bless You, Nancy".
-The awe-inspiring job that the branches of the military did during the entire week. I never failed to be moved by the changing of the guard around the bier; how still and resolute they were as they stood guard over the bier day and night. How proud they made me of my country - that we have defenders like these young men and women who even now are laying down their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq for the sake of freedom and all that America stands for.
-Lady Thatcher as she made her respects to her dear friend and political soulmate. I literally got chills up and down my spine when she curtsied. That she even made the trip here at all to pay her last respects is a testament to her own brand of courage and strength. They didn't call her the iron lady for nothing. May the UK send her off as grandly and with the respect she has earned from her own nation when her time to leave this world comes.
-Former President Bush's speech during the state funeral service this morning: IMO, it was the most heartfelt and sincere. When he almost lost it, I did lose it!
-The most unapologetic and non-PC service I've seen in a long time. The evangelical tone of the service was so uplifting. When I considered that many in the audience had probably not heard the Gospel before, it made me know that truely God's hand was upon President Reagan - that through his death, God was spreading his message of eternal life to all who would believe. It made me wonder what the new Iraqi president was thinking as he sat in through a Christian funeral service; what he thought as he listened to Rabbi Kushner and Rev. Danforth and all the others.
-Michael Reagan's obvious and sincere love of the father who "chose" him. Throughout the week, I watched Michael, and his conduct brought many tears to my eye. While not President Reagan's blood son, I don't think anyone could ask for a child who best typlified everything that Reagan was. Michael was the child we could all be proud to call our own. His eulogy was the most heartfelt, touching and genuine. What a gift he gave - not only to his late father - but to his 2 children and ultimately to the viewing audience - by publically evoking the name of Jesus and giving his testimony of faith and hope in the resurrection.
-The last goodbye between Nancy and her Ronnie. Like many other posters have said, it felt so wrong to watch her private grief there at the end, but I couldn't turn away. It was at turns poignant, voyouristic, and cathartic. What a love story theirs was...
-The final sunset over the Pacific. Hollywood couldn't have scripted a better curtain call.
Thanks, Freepers, for letting me vent some of my thoughts about this week. I haven't been able to really do so at work, since no one felt like I did about President Reagan, and I only have my almost 10 year old at home and she's bummed about missing all her TV time this week :-\
How about you put up a pic of yourself, I'm thinking some of us could do a number on you as well.
A long thread here, but I must reply. I live in Simi Valley and am proud to be so near to his burial spot. I did not attend the affairs that have been going on. I feel that those who traveled long distances should go first. I will visit the library later to pay my respect.
I was working in my back yard, listening to the radio and saw the patrol jets( call signs Gipper, Dutch, etc..) fly over the valley. I stopped to watch just as I heard on the radio that HE had arrived at the library. I saw a single jet fly around our valley for security reasons and then noticed a single eagle sour above, as if following the jet.
The eagle seemed to just float above the valley just before a beautiful sunset and I realized that there is always a purpose, always a sign to dedicate a greatness in HIS purpose.
GOD bless President Reagan and GOD bless America.
Off and on all day -- my eyes were slightly puffy from allergies -- not they are real puffy! I think I had so many tears that now my eyes quit itching!
I was thinking about the love Ronnie and Nancy shared. And was thinking about what the Moslem fundamentalist reaction to their love affair would be.
I'm not talking about just the terrorists, but the Moslems that make their women wear veils from head to toe, and walk behind them, and sit in the back seat of a car.
A woman journalist and her husband went to Pakistan and she said when the men were alone with her husband, they wanted to know about relationships between American men and women, since there society is so rigid.
I wonder when they see the pictures of Ronnie and Nancy where the love they shared for each other shines through, if Moslems ever wonder what it would be like to have a love like this, where you can share your most intimate thoughts. Or perhaps you don't have to say anything, because the other already knows.
A magnificent week. And the military did a superb job.
Nancy's grief at her husband's casket absolutely tore my heart out. I found myself really, really wishing the stupid camera would cut to something, anything, else, and let the poor woman be. Seeing her children and step-son coming to her side was just so moving.
Seeing the outpouring of love and admiration for President Reagan has given me great hope that America still can be that "shining city on the hill" that Mr Reagan foresaw so many years ago.
My husband and I both held each other during the service and cried like babies. It was so moving to hear of Reagan's faith in Jesus, eternal home with Him and hope for a better tomorrow . I pray that the faithless watching would be transformed knowing that their lives surely are missing something incredible.
The tears came off and on. That's all.
I'm sure of that but you won't be able to point to my career choice of ballet dancer to support whatever conclusion you reach.
Ron Jr. did not support his father's policies.
He was vague enough that he may have been talking in generalities, but he should have left it out of his speech. It was not called for.
I have been crying on and off all week. Reagan's death has hit me very hard, and I never expected it. It doesn't help that his death coincides with the seven-year anniversary of the beginning of my father's hospitalization (which ended in his death seven months later). In fact, I feel as if I've lost a second father.
My mom and I both cried during the service. My heart ached so much for Nancy, and every time she touched the casket I felt a lump in my throat. Every time there was singing, my tears started to flow. And then, just when I had it under control, they started with "Amazing Grace." I was done for. That song gets me every time! I said, "Oh no, I'm gonna lose it for sure!"
Maggie will join Ronald Reagan in the not too distant future. I'd like to see millions of Americans reciprocate the gesture, for this grand woman.
Me too Tonk...with my Kat Kitty on my lap as well. She understood something was up...kept burying her head into me as as I tried to hold back, tears streaming down, my whole body and soul winching when Nancy laid her head on Ron's final bed...
Thank you, both!
Yes...I cried. I teared up when Bush 41 almost lost it,
and I teared up when Mrs. Reagan went to the casket.
I cried when I reflected on the happenings in this nation
since President Reagan left office.
I'm praying for President Bush daily.
Thank you for your posts, Arpege92.
But, most of all, thank you for your service.
Heroes Live Forever Lyrics
Artist(Band):Vanessa Amorosi
You are the light that shines in everyone
The truth that's there for all to see
You are the voice that speaks to everyone
You're the heroes we'd all like to be
You live the dreams that lie within our soul
With a passion that cannot be denied
You bring the whole world together as one
And we'll always be by your side
And all the world will join in celebration
And all the world will share the joy you bring
And all the power, the hope and inspiration
In all their glory the nations all will sing
Heroes live forever
Heroes live forever
Always we'll remember
Heroes live forever
Since the dawn of history
(Since the dawn of history)
In searching for our destiny
(In searching for our destiny)
To be the best that we can be
(To be the best that we can be)
We've found our immortality
Heroes live forever
Heroes live forever
Always we'll remember
Heroes live forever
Heroes live forever
Heroes live forever
Always we'll remember
Heroes live forever...
I'm still crying each and every time I see the replay on TV.
What a beautiful bittersweet day.
Even God cooperated, providing the perfect backdrop with mood-matching drizzle outside the National Cathedral in Washington DC, only to later transform into a spectacular sunset as our 40th President symbolically ascended into Heaven.
Once again, Ronald Reagan rose to the occasion, this time to his rightful place in history and to be with God.
As GWB said in the morning ceremony, Ronald Reagan now belongs to the ages.
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