To all that were there in there heart
Wish I could have been there.
To all that were there in there heart
Feel exactly the same.
We will miss the sweet smile of President Reagan, and we may never see his likeness again.
It was a humbling experience. I took some school kids there Monday after school. That evening, people had as much as 8 hour waits. I pulled two of my four kids out of school (one other high schooler went with her government classes by bus) and went back early this morning (Tuesday). I live in the area and know the surface streets pretty well, so I cut in the back way.
It was, thankfully, somewhat overcast and the temp was only about 75 degrees, with a slight wind from the coast. The people in line for the shuttle buses were great to talk to. Behind us, at one point, were some folks who had come the the US from former soviet-eastern Europe. They knew what the blessing of freedom is all about. there were families with young kids, businessmen in suits, servicement in uniform, Cub Scouts, older couples, all races, creeds, and colors.
People get the idea that California is some loon, leftist state - as a whole. Not so. There are millions of conservatives and libertarians here, and in Ventura County we send some of the most conservative representatives to State government (like State Senator Tom McClintock and Assemblyman Tony Strickland).
When the shuttle buses arrived up the hill at the Presidential Library, the mood became much more solemn. When the line passed into the viewing area I was struck by the dignity of the joint military honor guard. I have to say, that my eyes welled up as I passed the coffin.
I worked for Reagan, beginning in the 1976 Republican Primary. I left private industry to serve in his Administration. I believed in his view on America and Americans.
I wanted my kids, and the kids from the high school to get an understanding about what it means to be an American, especially in troubles times. Prior to 1980 and Reagan's election, we had had a tough 20 years. Reagan made me proud to be an American, and I felt it was appropriate to let my kids and their friends know much they have benefited from his legacy.