Posted on 06/11/2004 9:37:43 PM PDT by ReaganandDubyaForever
Text of remarks by Michael Reagan at Friday's burial service for former President Reagan, as transcribed by eMediaMillWorks Inc.:
Good evening. I'm Mike Reagan. You knew my father as governor, as president. But I knew him as dad. I want to tell you a little bit about my dad. A little bit about Cameron and Ashley's grandfather because not a whole lot is ever spoken about that side of Ronald Reagan.
Ronald Reagan adopted me into his family 1945. I was a chosen one. I was the lucky one. And all of his years, he never mentioned that I was adopted either behind my back or in front of me. I was his son, Michael Edward Reagan.
When his families grew to be two families, he didn't walk away from the one to go to the other. But he became a father to both. To Patti and then Ronnie, but always to Maureen, my sister, and myself.
We looked forward to those Saturday mornings when he would pick us up, sitting on the curve on Beverly Glen as his car would turn the corner from Sunset Boulevard and we would get in and ride to his ranch and play games and he would always make sure it ended up a tie.
We would swim and we would ride horses or we'd just watch him cut firewood. We would be in awe of our father. As years went by and I became older and found a woman I would marry, Colleen, he sent me a letter about marriage and how important it was to be faithful to the woman you love with a P.S.: You'll never get in trouble if you say I love you at least once a day, and I'm sure he told Nancy every day "I love you" as I tell Colleen.
He also sent letters to his grandchildren. He wasn't able to be the grandfather that many of you are able to be because of the job that he had. And so he would write letters. He sent one letter to Cameron, said: "Cameron, some guy got $10,000 for my signature. Maybe this letter will help you pay for your college education. He signed it, Grandpa. P.S. Your grandpa is the 40th president of the United States, Ronald Reagan. He just signed his sign."
Those are the kinds of things my father did.
At the early onset of Alzheimer's disease, my father and I would tell each other we loved each other and we would give each other a hug. As the years went by and he could no longer verbalize my name, he recognized me as the man who hugged him. So when I would walk into the house, he would be there in his chair opening up his arms for that hug, hello, and the hug goodbye. It was a blessing truly brought on by God.
We had wonderful blessings of that nature. Wonderful, wonderful blessings that my father gave to me each and every day of my life.
I was so proud to have the Reagan name and to be Ronald Reagan's son. What a great honor. He gave me a lot of gifts as a child. Gave me a horse. Gave me a car. Gave me a lot of things. But there's a gift he gave me that I think is wonderful for every father to give every son.
Last Saturday, when my father opened his eyes for the last time, and visualized Nancy and gave her such a wonderful, wonderful gift.
When he closed his eyes, that's when I realized the gift that he gave to me, the gift that he was going to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He had, back in 1988 on a flight from Washington, D.C. to Point Mugu, told me about his love of God, his love of Christ as his Savior. I didn't know then what it all meant. But I certainly, certainly know now.
I can't think of a better gift for a father to give a son. And I hope to honor my father by giving my son Cameron and my daughter Ashley that very same gift he gave to me.
Knowing where he is this very moment, this very day, that he is in Heaven, and I can only promise my father this. Dad, when I go, I will go to Heaven, too. And you and I and my sister, Maureen, that went before us, we will dance with the heavenly host of angels before the presence of God. We will do it melanoma and Alzheimer's free. Thank you for letting me share my father, Ronald Wilson Reagan.
© 2004 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
I have never heard such a touching, succinct euology ever. I cannot recall one from the pages of history. Michael Reagan is vidication of, is confirmation of, everything Ronald Reagan believed in. Michael took no shortcuts and did not give into the "everybody goes to Heaven" sort of statements that typically come at eulogies. He was careful to outline his dad's belief in Jesus Christ, and to align himself with that same faith.
Could any of use possibly expect to hear such loving words at our funeral?
I didn't hear Chris Matthew's comments; and am not shocked.
Now here is what I thought is weird; before the funeral, I was watching MSNBC, and they were listing off the celebs who were at the funeral. One of them was Norman Lear! I just about fell off the couch. As far as ideology goes, Norman Lear and Ronald Reagan are about as close in faith as Satan and Jesus. Fire and Ice. You fit in the opposites analogy you like best.
Norman Lear?
He must be a friend of the family or something; there just ain't no way Norman Lear would attend for other reasons.
But I will say this much, he did attend. So for that, I'll leave off any skewering of him at this time.
But boy did his name seem out of place at that list of attendees!
So, at least Norman Lear kept his yap shut and attended the funeral in a respectful matter. For that he should be commended.
As for this Chris Matthews guy, what, is the fact that somebody mentioned Jesus Christ troubling to you? Did your soul twinge within you? Could you feel a day of reckoning approacing? What will YOU say to Almighty God, O Chris Matthews? Ah, now I see why you were so offended.
and an incredible testimony of his and Ron Reagan's faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior!
I know the democrats hated to hear this, but the crowd was listening intently..
I agree, Michael brought tears to my eyes.
Ron's no-so-subtle shot at his step-brother and GWB's faith was in perfect character for the younger Reagan.
But we will cut him slack on this day -- after this he can go back to hosting dog shows.
not-so-subtle (sorry)
Michael Reagan I salute you - for your courage and your boldness to speak The Truth! You are the true son of Ronald Reagan, hand selected by the LORD God to carry his legacy forward. May you and your family be blessed by HIM who gives the eternal inheritance - The Father.
DITTO. Ironic, huh? As Michael said, he was the CHOSEN one.
LOL! Thanks for the full disclosure...
YES, I noticed that too. Doria; I believe is her name. During all of the proceedings & services during the week she seemed cold and indifferent. But then last night at the coffin I noticed she was by herself at the last good-bye. She seem to truly lose it big-time. But Michael was there to comfort her. Michael was great.
I can't resist posting this link...
God bless ya Michael Reagan
http://www.reagan.com/
When Michael Reagan finished speaking, he has awed the audience with bearing his soul, and his love for his father and his faith in Christ and the afterlife. It was awesome...so awesome ...that it provoked those their to clap upon hearing his words. Love is Wonderful, Faith is Wonderful.....and Michael Reagan showed that side of himself unabashedly....GOD BLESS YOU MICHAEL REAGAN.
BTTT
Thanks.
Very moving.
Unfortunately in most cases the married ins are usually outsiders all their lives.
Gee, Mr. Chris, this is his father's funeral not your TV special. He can say what he pleases whether you like it or not.
How must it make him feel to openly work against everything his father believed in?
Ron, Jr. is glad to be opposed to his father.
After seeing the outpouring of love for President Reagan by the American people, I do not believe anything Ron and Patti may come out with that undercuts their father's political philosophy will be received well at all.
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