Reagan Family Remembers Former President

CBS2CHICAGO ^ | 05 JUNE 2006 | AP

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

(AP) SIMI VALLEY, Calif. Two years after Ronald Reagan's death, former first lady Nancy Reagan visited the hilltop gravesite of the nation's 40th president and gently tapped his tombstone.

Mrs. Reagan and daughter Patti Davis made a private, five-minute visit to the gravesite Monday at the Reagan Presidential Library. Mrs. Reagan placed a bouquet of white roses at the granite memorial, paused and then gently placed her hand on the headstone.

"It was a poignant moment. You could feel the loss and feel the love," said library Director Duke Blackwood, who escorted the former first lady.

Library visitors were kept about 50 yards away during her visit.

"It's hard to believe it's been two years since Ronnie died, and I miss him every day," Mrs. Reagan said in a statement.

Reagan was 93 when he died June 5, 2004, at his Bel-Air home after a decade-long battle with Alzheimer's disease. He had told the world of his illness in 1994, five years after ending his two-term presidency.

"People from all over the world have written wonderful letters to tell me of their love for Ronnie and their concern for me, and I am so grateful for everyone's kindness and continuing support," Mrs. Reagan said.

Earlier Monday, son Michael Reagan visited the memorial and prayed, his publicist Michael Sands said. In a statement, Reagan's son noted the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan was on its way home to San Diego.

"I wish my father were alive today so he could greet and thank the men and women" aboard the ship when they return from the war in Iraq, he said.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

It's been one year already since the great man died. Just unbelievable how time catches up with you.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

Damn, two years...my bad

[Just Lori]

"I wish my father were alive today so he could greet and thank the men and women" aboard the ship when they return from the war in Iraq, he said.

So do we, Michael. So do we....

He fought the fight, he ran the race, and kept his faith in God. After a long life filled with promise, hope, struggle, defeat, triumph, joy, worry, work, and tireless stick-to-it-iveness......the Father called him home. "Job well done, faithful servant" is what I imagine he heard upon his arrival.

The day will come for each of us. I hope that when it comes for me, I am worthy of those words, too.

[clamper1797]

BTT

[ncountylee]

We miss you more than ever Mr, President.

[backhoe]

Crosslinked to: --Ronald Reagan Passes- some links...- Click the picture:

[Ban Draoi Marbh Draoi]

I remember President Bush's beautiful comment at the funeral for President Reagan: "In the last decade of his life, Ronald Reagan saw through a glass darkly. Now he stands face to face with his Savior."

When I heard that I began to cry.

"The memory of the righteous is blessed but the name of the wicked will rot."

[Aussie Dasher]

God bless and keep The Great Ronald Reagan.

[xrp]

Does anyone know if there's been a DVD of the funeral procession? Everything about the celebration of Reagan's life moved me and I'd love to have a permanent copy of it.

[Richard from IL]

You can order it from C-Span.

http://www.c-spanstore.org/shop/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&video_cat=SELECT+A+CATEGORY&video_policy=SELECT+A+POLICY&video_keyword=SELECT+A+KEYWORD&simple=reagan+funeral

[lonedawg]

Giant men can only be judged by other Giants!!At present there is no one on the horizon who can hope to judge Ronald Reagan. He is the standard that all who follow will be judged by. Ronald Reagan takes his place with the likes of Washington,Jefferson and the other truly remarkable men who have served this wonderful country. GOD BLESS YOU MR. PRESIDENT!!!!