Posted on 06/13/2004 5:23:06 PM PDT by hilaryrhymeswithrich
When I heard about the passing of my hero, President Reagan, I was not prepared for the wave of sadness I would feel. We’ve all known we lost him to the ravages of Alzheimer’s many years ago. I suppose the finality of no longer having him as a light in our world, even if only a glimmer of its prior brightness, released years of pent up grieving. We decided to make the long trek to DC to say thank you. This is very long, but I wanted to get all the sights and sounds in.
Tuesday night I loaded my mini-Freepers into the car (ages 11, 7 and 5) and we drove 11 hours from Atlanta to DC. Along the way I used the time to talk to my kids about why I hold the President in such high esteem. We talked about his vision, strength of character and his unbending support of the things he believed.
We pulled into a very scary hotel in Richmond and grabbed some zzzzs. Wednesday morning we headed into the capitol, got in line for the public viewing and began a day we will never forget.
Because we were in the first 35 or so people, the press interviewed us many times. It will come as no shock to any Freepers that the press could barely contain their disgust. Fairly benign questions were followed with barely veiled attempts to gain negative coverage. One of the first questions I got, at 11:00 am, 10 hours before the viewing would begin!!!, was if I was disappointed that there were not more people there. Later interviews asked if it was worth it to drive so far and so long for a few minutes of viewing. I won’t dwell on particular questions, they were all pretty much the same. Iran Contra came up many times. Many reporters tried to spin that Reagan was just lucky to be there when communism fell. Others tried to stress that many were there because it was a historical event, not an even really about Ronald Reagan.
Since most of the questions were the same, so were my answers. In the 15 or so interviews I gave, my main theme was: I came here to pay my respects to the man who was the steward of my life during my growing years. Because of his demeanor, outlook and political success, life was much more innocent and secure than the days I remember in the 70’s. For that gift, I will always be grateful.
Though it took me years to appreciate it, I came to thank the first person in my life to successfully articulate conservative beliefs. Much as a child dismisses a parent’s wisdom and later comes to recognize the truth, it took me time to appreciate the simple, honest, powerful wisdom of Ronald Reagan.
Many reporters wanted to know why I would spend 22 hours in a car to stand in line for 10 hours with my children. The answer I gave them guaranteed that I would miss out on being on television, even when interviewed by that creepy guy on ABC who reports to Peter Jennings (can’t remember his name, but I call him the crypt keeper!) I told every reporter who asked that, though they had barely restrained themselves during the past few days, I knew the flood of stories would face us in the months and years ahead that would try to tarnish Reagan’s great deeds. I told them that I wanted my children to remember the tens of thousands of people who came to honor this great man and balance that will they lies that the mainstream press would relish telling.
When a reporter asked my oldest daughter, almost 11, if all this was worth it to see a box with a flag (mommy almost clocked him) she replied, “We came here to pray for our President. He knows we’re here. We also came to show Mr.s. Reagan and her children how much we loved him during a sad time for them.” Bravo child of mine.
There are so many interesting stories. One man at the front of the line ordered pizzas for the first 100-150 people in line at dinner time. Every person who went for refreshments brought back extras to share. Kids played together, grownups laughed and shared favorite stories and memories of our great leader. It was truly a celebration of a grand life.
When the terrorist scare happened, it was handled beautifully. Police ran toward us yelling, “Run South down the mall, there has been a threat.” A few people ran and screamed (I’m sure they ended up on the news) but most of the 750 or so people walked quickly and purposefully where directed, quietly waited, and returned to their exact spot in line about 10-15 minutes later. Of all those people, only 1 twentysomething tried to cut and he was quietly moved to the end of the line. Reporters were all over us again, weren’t we scared, terrified, worried. My feeling? No. I refuse to allow the terrorists to terrify. Besides, one could not fail to be impressed by those buff and fabulous soldiers who ran in perfect hut hut rows in front of us. I felt thrilled, proud and like Mrs. Robinson, but never scared.
The warm atmosphere ended when the first strains of music could be heard. When the missing man formation flew directly over us, the tears began. From our point in line, we were lucky enough to be in line and still watch the beautiful procession come to the front of the Capitol.
Finally, when we entered the rotunda and got to say our goodbyes and more importantly our thank yous, the grief was more than I had counted on and yet I was proud to have been there to represent those who could not attend. I was proud to have been among many faces that reminded Mrs. Reagan of her husband’s impact and the bond he forged with the American people. I felt blessed to have given my children a memory they would always have and the real version of the story of Ronald Reagan.
I wore my Thank God for Ronald Reagan shirt that day because I do, every day.
Freegards,
HRWR
I applaud your courage and dedication, ma'am.
I like my odds with the team I have on my side.
Wonderful report, thanks. I saw some of the interviews with folks in line and I just knew it had to be killing the liberal media.
I am so proud of the people who showed up, and who stood in line for those of us (millions) who could not.
You can't imagine the half of it! We were their worst nightmare. When a reporter would ask for an interview, the first question to them was, who are you with. CNN was turned down 90% of the time as were the majors, ABC CBS AND NBC, unless they were local affilates. Fox was granted every one they asked for. We have learned the rules of the game and we don't like them.
President Reagan found a way even in his dying to reach OVER THE HEADS of the hateful press directly to the hearts and minds of the Ameircan people - leaving his unmistakable message securely there.
Your report is just one more evidence of this victory!
This was all so choice! Thanks for your report.... I was literally walking vicariously in your shoes, and I'd LOVE to give that darling 11 yr old a big ol' "Nana-Hug" for her great comments to the reporter!
You just made my day with the entire story.
What an insightful and profound observation. Thank you for sharing the story of your experience with us. I was so impressed by seeing all the parents with children lean down and whisper to them about the great man before them. Bless you for bringing yours and teaching them about our beloved Ronnie.
We feel the same way you do - you are one great American!
Many reporters wanted to know why I would spend 22 hours in a car to stand in line for 10 hours with my children. The answer I gave them guaranteed that I would miss out on being on television, even when interviewed by that creepy guy on ABC who reports to Peter Jennings (can’t remember his name, but I call him the crypt keeper!) I told every reporter who asked that, though they had barely restrained themselves during the past few days, I knew the flood of stories would face us in the months and years ahead that would try to tarnish Reagan’s great deeds. I told them that I wanted my children to remember the tens of thousands of people who came to honor this great man and balance that will they lies that the mainstream press would relish telling.
Terrific answer. The highest honor goes to you: cutting room floor of the mainstream media. ;^)
The liberal media are self destructing. They simply do not understand the great American people. President Reagan understood us and had great faith in us. Now, let's not fail him.
Big Freeper BUMP!
Must have been a great experience. I am sure your children will remeber it always. I watched the CSPAN coverage when I could and my son could not quite get why I was staring at an image that rarely changed. I told him he will not fully grasp it until years from now when one of his heroes passes away.
Excellent report. Thanks for all you do.
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