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Just a couple of quick pics and a report. Bothell was a zoo. They got quite a few more people than they anticipated - starting to see a pattern here, aren't we? I got there about 15 minutes early and the nice young fellow who was in charge of the parking crew said "sir, I don't know if you'll even get in the building."

Get in I did but sit down I did not. Pastor Joe Fulten of Cedar Park Church was presiding at his genial best, which was well, because about 1000 cars had just turned his football practice fields into a mudhole. Members of the 56th and 133d Army Bands were there from Fort Lewis and Tacoma, respectively. Notables were Kirby Wilbur of KVI radio, John Carlson (late of KVI and the Seattle Times and former gubernatorial candidate), Chris Vance of the Washington Republican Party, and Bruce Chapman, former Reagan administration official.

The joint was jammed.

Great stuff - Jennifer Dunn sent a videotape and everybody had touching and sometimes hilarious RR anecdotes. Some singing - all four verses of The Battle Hymn of the Republic including the unbowdlerized final verse,

...and Amazing Grace on the pipes (played by Scott St. Clair). Then Taps, and if there was a dry eye in the house it got wet when they closed with America, sung by the Late Great Ray Charles.

I was standing at the back and so watched the usher nearly have a heart attack as a sweet little blind lady turned and said "I want to hear Ray Charles." She was standing in the exact center of a doorway through which upwards of 2000 people were about to stampede. She lived...

Great time and a great turnout. I'll close with a quote from RR that graces the program: My optimism comes not just from my strong faith in God, but from my strong and enduring faith in man.

Ronald Reagan, Requisat in Pacem.

Thank you so much for the pictures, BTD. They help everyone get an idea of what the lace and crow ere like...

I was listening to much of the program which KVI kindly broadcast. Kirby's speech was wonderful, and I loved those bagpipes. WOW!

I spent the morning watching the national service in DC, then went out to do all the errands/shopping for the Lakewood Vigil I was helping with. We had speakers, candles, music, and at the end overyone got flowers to lay on the memorial Ronald Reagan brick. It had been purchased by the South Sound Ronald Reagan Club and layed in the Veteran's Memorial circle by the city hall. The Vietnamese contingent was there as well - they are very patriotic and have become good friends.

Thanks again, B. Sorry to not have seen you tody, but will either when Doug from Upland arrives or Jim in August! :)