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     Posted on Monday, June 14, 2004                                                               by Chris G

A.  Remembrance: Ronald Reagan:  I found the pic below of my sister, Christine, in an old album from way back when.  Besides the flower couches, and the crimson drapes, you will also notice another true sign of the 80's, Ronald Reagan.  

B.  Reagan: Lying in State:  I was able to visit the Capitol Rotunda in Washington D.C., and pay my final respects.  There were THOUSANDS and THOUSANDS of people waiting in line.  I had never seen that many people in my life.  It was incredible.  We ended up waiting in line for hours, but it was well worth it.

People from all walks of life were there, and we exchanged stories about Reagan, and the effect that he has had.  Everyone was joking and having a pretty good time, even up until entering the capitol.  But as soon as we entered into the Rotunda, there was dead silence.  People filed past slowly, some just stood there in awe, some saluted, some said Hail Mary's, and some kids were fast asleep.  Some will say, what is the point of going to view the casket of a dead man, an empty shell.  While that is technically true, we are not robots.  

My feet, and everyone else's were hurting pretty bad after all those hours, but it was worth it.  

C.  Reagan: In Conclusion:  I realize that media has been inundating the world with coverage of RR, I realize that.  But we have to understand how important this man was.  Don't expect this kind of coverage for Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, George HW Bush, Bill Clinton, or George W.  That is just the plain truth.  

The funeral itself, was majestic.  He was honored by 2 Presidents, and 2 Prime Ministers.  I was especially impressed with Brian Mulroney's (former PM of Canada) speech.  He combined the elegance and grace of a statesman in his words.

George HW Bush's speech came from his heart.  That was the first time I had ever heard him get emotional about anyone.  Very powerful.

And so the week long ceremonies and tributes have come to an end.  The crowds have gone home, and the trumpets have stopped playing.  I hope that I have in a small way, helped to show those of you who didn't know much about Ronald Reagan, what greatness really is. 

D.  Be sure to check out the new tribute section in Remembrance: