Posted on 06/07/2004 9:43:02 AM PDT by Howlin
Reagan family has arrived in Santa Monica to escort President Reagan's body to his library.
I am to young to remember Ronald Reagan's presidency and policies but I can recall as a child being proud to have him as my president. Since his presidency my mother has continued to tell us what a great man he was and sang his praises so often that I became very fond of him myself.
I grew up in a conservative household but could have cared less about politics until this last election. Pregnant with my first child I began to care alot more about where my country was headed and the future that awaited my children. I still have a ton of things to learn about politics but thanks to FR and the rest of you I'm learning daily.
I really don't know why I'm posting except to say I'm so glad to have found a place like FR where I can learn about such a great man from such great people. You guys are so awesome!
Thanks for posting that schedule in #35. Please ping me if you hear of any updates.
It's there, and so is a helicopter (Marine One?). There are plans for a fighter jet, too.
They're still building a pavillion for the aircraft, so Air Force One might not have its wings attached yet, or at least it didn't look like there were wings yet when we looked from the 23 freeway the last few weeks/months.
Most people pronounce Simi 'See-mee, but the dictionary has the second syllable accented, which I've also heard.
I agree. FNC's couldn't really compare...
What I saw today was exactly how I felt at my father's funeral. I doubt that Patti really knew, or much cared, whether her outfit would make the news. She seemed lost, unbelieving. Nancy was saying, " I don't believe it. " Ron seemed a little cold to me, detatched. Michael was lucky, he loved his father and understood him. He will have happy memories to sustain him. At my dad's service, my brothers were totally broken up - we were all there in body but in our minds we just had such a hard time convincing ourselves that it was really true - our Daddy was really gone. When Nancy patted the casket, it took me back to the heartbreaking sight of my mother patting the earth over my father's grave. When the bugler played taps, I remembered how the bugler at my father's service startled us - he must have stepped from behind a tree - and, several yards to our left, began to play his mournful taps in the quietness of that Minnesota cemetary. Tears flowed freely then. When it was over, I looked over and he was gone - as if he had disappeared in a wisp of smoke. He was as quiet as a mouse.
Losing a parent is a whole other level. I have no idea how Ron will fare, but I'll tell you this - Patti will be forever devastated by this loss. Because of her past, she might curse herself for the time she lost with him. One day she will finally accept that her father is gone - but she will never get over it. Just like me.
Don Rickles was scheduled to host the Tonight Show, but Johnny Carson may have stepped in anyway, that evening; I think Johnny was there, but I can't recall exactly.
Comedian George Gobels(sp?) was already on as a guest, and suddenly, out comes Bob Hope, unscheduled. I don't remember anything these guys said, but there were three of the funniest guys in showbiz.
Then, out comes John Wayne, also unscheduled.
One of Carson's best.
They traded quips, and it brought down the house.
Two or three other guests never made it onto the show.
Anyway, that's what I remember. Gosh it was funny.
What a hoot.
You have to go to Moorpark College to park and ride a shuttle from there. There are very many people waiting, and the freeway may be slow (according to the speed map, currently less than 4 mph near the Madera exits).
Details:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1148751/posts?page=14#14
Who is that wonderful military man who escorted Nancy in and out of the library during yesterday's service ??? He was so kind and respectful, not to mention he cut quite a dashing figure.
Maj. Gen. Galen Jackman.
My daughter and I got up at 3:00 a.m. and went over to Moorpark College to catch a shuttle to the library. We never found the end of the line. It's a three hour wait from the time you enter the parking lot where the shuttles pick up passengers, and a guy sitting there on the steps said that the line to get to the parking lot was four hours (at 4:00 a.m.). Peoople were pouring in, and the 118 coming from LA was a complete traffic jam. Recommend the 101 to the 23 to the 118, if you want to stand in line 8-10 hours just to get on the shuttle.
It's a bit of a disaster at the college. Trash cans completely full; bathrooms too gross to mention in polite company. Obviously not nearly enough shuttles. And I would guess today is going to be the big day. Either the library or the college needs to get some logistical support going.
Heard on msnbc -- update to the Lying in Repose at the Library for Tuesday.
Now it is to conclude at 10 pm tonight, but it was announced that people MUST be in line by 3 pm to meet that deadline.
Sounds like no more will be allowed in life after 3 pm though the viewing will continue past the original 6 pm ending.
You have a outstanding memory! Thank you very much for the background on the photo of all those great guys!
Thank you for sharing that! Vintage Ron, for sure. I also loved the one in debates with Mondale; that he wouldn't exploit for political purposes the youth and inexperince of his opponent. This response came after a reporter questioned his thoughts on the age of the candidates (I believe Reagan was about 69 at the time.) I will miss him. God bless you for going to the funeral area; how I wish I could have.
Thank you so much for sharing that most treasured memento with me.
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