I'm in agreement, this is not a death due to a tragic event, such as an accident or a gunshot. This is a man who lived to be the oldest President in our nation's history, who is going on to be enshrined in glory after the fulfillment of what he accomplished is plain for all to see.
Besides, Ron and Nancy were movie stars, applause was always a satisfying part of their lives.
I'm a firm believer that without the applause the media would try to tell us the crowds were mostly gawkers or came to merely witness "history". The applause indicates a deeper bond between the spectators and President and Mrs. Reagan.
I loved it and I think it meant the world to Nancy.