Reagan Library reopens to large crowds (photos)

Yahoo News Photos ^ | 6/14/04

[Wolfstar]

[The following posted for FReepers who aren't from California, but who may be making tentative long-range vacation plans for 2005.]

In an historic event the Reagan Library received Air Force One 27000 on September 8, 2001 in a "final flight" ceremony at the San Bernardino International Airport in San Bernardino, CA. With a military band playing in the background and the American Flag billowing in the wind, Former First Lady Nancy Reagan accepted the plane on the Library's behalf from the Secretary of the Air Force, James Roche.

Plans for the new Air Force One Pavilion are currently underway. The Air Force One Pavilion will tell the story of Ronald Reagan and his 211 missions aboard Air Force One. Here visitors will remember, reflect, and relive the accomplishments of our 40th President and rejoice in his enduring legacy of freedom.

In addition to Air Force One, the Pavilion will also showcase Marine One, President Reagan's 1982 Presidential Limousine, a Secret Service Motorcade and an F-15 Fighter Jet.

To experience Air Force One as it was during the Reagan Presidency, replete with jellybeans on the President's conference table, visitors to the Air Force One Pavilion will tour through this magnificent aircraft and feel its awesome power.

The Air Force One Pavilion will be cleared for landing in 2005.

[NOTE: President Reagan's gravesite is on the opposite side of the library from this view.]

[Wolfstar]

FYI

[ErnBatavia]

Thanks for setting this thead into action. We plan to go again, but after the Air Force One display is set up.

It's a fabulous place up there.

[MoscowMike]

Howdy

Am I to understand that the remains of President Reagan are in repose behind, within, the semicircular edifice where his flag draped coffin lie in last Friday's sunset memorial service?

[Mister Baredog]

Am I to understand that the remains of President Reagan are in repose behind, within, the semicircular edifice where his flag draped coffin lie in last Friday's sunset memorial service?

Underneath that 4000 lb slab the coffin sat upon.

[TruthNtegrity]

WOW! Thanks for the Ping. I think I'd like to make a contribution to this; aviation is my first love.

And someday, I hope to visit, whether the Air Pavilion is open yet or not. I have to get there.

God bless Ronald W. Wilson and his lovely wife.

[Wolfstar]

MoscowMike, there is a bronze-lined crypt seven feet below the semicircular monument where his casket lay during the sunset funeral. It is covered by the circular concrete slab and protected by the bronze fence you see in the above photos.

[Wolfstar]

You are welcome, ErnBatavia. A friend will be going with me to the library this weekend. She has a 6-year-old grandson whom she would like to take. But she's going to wait until the Air Force One exhibit is open to take him. With that in mind, I posted the Air Force One info, for FReepers who don't live here in California and can't go as often as those of us who live in the L.A. area can.

BTW, on July 4, the library is going to open an exhibit of photos, artifacts, and videos of the week of funeral events.

[OldFriend]

Great pictures. Thanks.

[MoscowMike]

Howdy

It only seems clear now, after the Great Man has passed away from this world, that God Almighty gave us his brief time. Ronald Reagan reversed a trend leading towards the light of human liberty being extinguished from our troubled little planet, inheriting an America of broken spirit, economic calamity, and an increasing threat of communist victory after half a century of cold war, and left behind a strong nation in economic vitality, absent the threat of communist world domination.

Now we have many problems, but that is our lot, the good Lord sent us Ronald Wilson Reagan, his life was sufficient to provide us an opportunity to carry on, and that is all.

That is hallowed ground, where lie the remains of the greatest man, the greatest President, who we shall ever know in our own short time.

[Wolfstar]

Truthy, the Air Force One exhibit opens sometime in 2005 — less than a year from now, I believe. You might consider keeping an eye out for info here: Air Force One at Reagan Library.

[MoscowMike]

Howdy

Thank you Wolfstar.

[Wolfstar]

Mike, I don't know for certain, but believe eventually there will be some inscription on the circular slab over the crypt. His name and dates of birt/death, at least. The quote on the wall is one he selected. The people who are looking away from the gravesite are looking westward at the magnificent view with the Pacific in the distance.

[Jackknife]

This looks great ! I can't wait to visit this beautiful place . The new AF-1 / Marine-1 display looks impressive .

[TOUGH STOUGH]

I hope it gets throngs of visiters for a long time to come!

[Mister Baredog]

That is hallowed ground, where lie the remains of the greatest man, the greatest President, who we shall ever know in our own short time.

I couldn't agree more, I cried all week, The silent majority showed their love, it was beautiful.

I can't tell where you are, how about putting up a flag on your homepage.

The Reagan Library is a great place to visit.

I highly reccommend a visit, I'll be going back soon.

[Mon]

Reagan Ping

[hoot2]

thank GOD for Ronald Reagan sunsets...

[Wolfstar]

Now that President Reagan's remains are buried there, it will. The library got lots of visitors before then, but they will increase now. As you might expect, many visitors are especially drawn to the part of the museum that covers his Hollywood years. But the Air Force One pavillion will be a huge tourist draw when it opens in 2005.

The Screen Actors Guild says it has "a treasure trove" of minutes, notes, letters and photographs chronicling the eariest days of President Reagan's political career. Thing is, if the material is sitting over in SAG archives, it's not available for scholarly research and public viewing, as it would be at the library. SAG should consider lending or donating the material to the library.

[LoudRepublicangirl]

Thanks for the ping Mon!