I, too, would like the crowd to be silent ... and no band music ... just the drummer. I remember the Kennedy funeral in that chilling black and white TV as being very elegant. But then, everyone was grieving at a young president struck down. Different.
Somehow I think President Reagan wanted to have the music. Just MHO. And good distinction you made between this funeral and the funeral of Kennedy, struck down.
Prairie
That president was murdered. This one died as the oldest living president. There's going to be a difference in the feel of the proceedings.
Off-topic. but anyone know the name of this hymn?
Silent was not what he wanted or what is in order.
They are now playing "God of our Fathers, whose Almighty hand leads on in victory..." How can that be anything but fitting?
Some of the applause is their only way of showing the widow and the young military their appreciation.....
I like the fact that Ron and Nancy chose to have bands. THey have been playing some hymns as well...it's more of a celebration of RWR's life also today...his death was expected and not sudden like Kennedy, not a tragic thing.
This event was planned long, long ago. This is like Ronnie saying goodbye to US also...??
G
I am pleased for the expression from the crowd so the media can't claim they just came out of curiosity or pro-forma. The applause and calls of "God bless you" demonstrate they are there affirmatively.
Exactly, which is why I think smatterings of applause (not applause all the way, mind you) and shouts of support to Nancy are appropriate.
This is not an event of shock and national sorrow.
This is a time to exult that this man is now free from his pain! This is a time to rejoice at what he did with his life, to mourn his passing, but take time to not just mourn, but look at the good he did and do what we can to put the nation's arms around Mrs. Nancy Reagan.
If this was a somber occasion, it would be different.
During the funeral on Friday, obviously these things would be inappropriate.