Viewing the Caisson, Bidding Farewell ...

self | joanie--f

[joanie-f]

Respectfully, I slightly disagree and I think Reagan would. Oh it's a close call, I admit. They both defeated two "Evil Empires" and propped up the nation at low times. But Washington set the standards of the presidency so high, that it takes a man of Reagan's quality to even be compared to Washington. Washington truly was "The Father of his Country". Without Washington, there would have been no USA, no Ronald Reagan.

I agree with you regarding Washington’s role in the founding of our republic. But, if you place their location in history aside, I believe it’s difficult to distinguish between the two – and also difficult to distinguish which of them appeared at a more precarious time in history.

Both were deeply religious, faith-filled men, with courage, integrity, honesty, and conviction that were unmatched by any other president. Where I believe Reagan may have held an edge (although I wouldn’t want to debate anyone on this subject, since both men possessed incomparable character and leadership abilities) was in his personal compassion and unbridled optimism. I don’t see an excess of the former in Washington, and I’m afraid I’m not well enough versed in the latter (in his case) to argue it.

I believe we may agree on most aspects of this – especially that the two of them head the list of our greatest leaders.

~ joanie

[joanie-f]

You're very welcome.

[joanie-f]

Thanks for the kind comments.

I don't know who the person was. I didn't see, only heard. I wasn't aware of any FReepers in the crowd at any time, althought they surely may have been.

[joanie-f]

I want to cry seeing the Riderless Horse!! Well, he's riding in Heaven now.

In a way, the grief that we are feeling is selfish, because of the agony he endured for the last few years. His pain and suffering are over, and you are right -- he is in a much more glorious place now.

[joanie-f]

You're very welcome. Thanks for the kind comments.

[joanie-f]

You're welcome. Thanks so much for the kind comments.

[joanie-f]

Thanks 'Bill in Hershey'. It's always especially nice to receive such kind comments from a 'neighbor'. :)

[joanie-f]

Many thanks for the kind comments.

[joanie-f]

Your kind comments, and interest in passing this along, are much appreciated. Thank you.

[joanie-f]

I'm assuming you all know what Dan's Bake Sale was.

You bet I do -- one of those rare, grassroots (in this case, Rush-inspired) events that one doesn't get to take part in very often. So glad you were able to attend!

[joanie-f]

You're welcome. Thanks so much for the kind comments.

[Salvation]

Thanks Joanie!

[NavySEAL F-16]

I just saw a little girl being carried by her father in the Rotunda throw a kiss to the casket. How heartwarming, them both she and her father waved. The father was also rather emotional. This is affecting so many people in such wonderful ways.

[joanie-f]

As we entered into the Rotunda, through an entry way that had been draped in black crepe, there were a few people standing there. One was an older, distinguished looking man who thanked each person for coming. I thought that was so nice -- to be thanksed for coming to the Capitol.

I believe we met the very same old gentleman (and a gentleman he was!)

On my way out, I tried to thank as many police officers and other members of the Capitol Staff for their gracious welcome into the rotunda.

As did we! Their behavior was so refreshing. They almost made you feel that they were truly grateful that you had come. And they were almost apologetic for the heat and the lines and the security inconveniences.

So glad you were able to experience yesterday, too.

[NavySEAL F-16]

Your account has touched me so much. With your permission I would like to forward and save a hard copy in my Reagan Memorial file. Thank you.

[joanie-f]

You're very welcome.

[joanie-f]

I just saw a little girl being carried by her father in the Rotunda throw a kiss to the casket.

There were many, many (well-behaved) children there yesterday. And many of them (especially those who appeared to be maybe six years old and older) also seemed to comprehend, on some level, what it was all about, which is a wonderful testimony to their parents.

[joanie-f]

Thank you so much for the kind comment. Of course you may do whatever you like with this essay. I'm honored that you would want to use it.

[Jeff Head]

Joanie, thank you for bneing there and reporting on this monumental, historic event with the eloquence and fervor that is your trademark.

I had planned to drive my Mom and son down to California for the processional to the burial...but my Mom was ill this morning and so I am here with her and we will have to settle for being there in spirit...though I so wanted to go.

So, your and RobfromGA reports mean all the more to me.

Thank you again so much for sharing the spirit, the moment and the importance of this event. The pictures are OUTSTANDING!

Under the circumstances, when I read your report, and Gail and my mother read it with me, the emotion and feeling were almost as if though I had been able to be there.

God bless you Joanie...God bless and rest Ronald Reagan, God keep and comfort Nancy...and may God grant that we shall not forget, but that we shall forge forward in defense of liberty and this nation that President Reagan loved so much.

[Minuteman23]

You are in a class with Peggy Noonan and Florence King. God bless you, lass. And thanks for the masterful report!