I was thinking today as I was watching Pres. Reagan's procession, thoughts similar to yours.
I was a senior in HS for JFK's procession and, like you, the drumbeats still echo in my mind; especially if I see a clip from the Kennedy procession.
But this one, at least for me, is a little different. Though it is sad that someone as great as Pres. Reagan has passed, he shed a life that was well-lived -- although the last 10 years must have been extremely trying for Nancy.
I won't forget watching this procession, hearing the drumbeats, the music; but it already is quite a different experience from the one I remember in November 1963.
{Sorry to butt into your conversation, but I was having similar thoughts all day, and you just struck a chord.}
I am sure the black & white only added to the somber effect of the JFK procession...
I'm not as Geezerish as you ;-) ~My only memory of JFK's passing (I was 3 or 4) is hearing those incessant drums all day, it seemed. You are right, though, these drums beat for an honorable man. That, plus the fact that RWR has died after a good, long life, and 'color TV!' give them two distinct auras.