Military Escort A Pillar Of Strength

New York Post ^ | 6/12/2004 | ALY SUJO

[texasflower]

That's too bad. They had just shown that.

Good luck in your storm. I'm off to bed finally.

[wolficatZ]

 

 

 

 

[texasflower]

Thank you so much wolficatz! Those are wonderful.

I am so glad to have them.

Did you see the same things in their faces that I did?

[eccentric]

I agree. All the military were outstanding. What an honor to have been a part of the funeral service.

[Born Conservative]

bttt

[Use It Or Lose It]

General Jackman was inspirational. What an enormous task he had. What a superb job he did. He makes all of Nebraska proud.

[Clara Lou]

Personally, I think it'd be nice to have a little bit of that private ceremony be private.
If Nancy had wanted it to be private, all she had to do was speak the words. She had full and final control over this. She didn't have to allow us into the private ceremony at all. I'm thankful she did. I'm of the opinion that the Reagans did this nation a huge favor in choosing this public ceremony.

[tom paine 2]

It is very comforting to know that we have men of this caliber overseeing the security of our country.

[csvset]

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Galen B. Jackman, commanding general of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, escorts Former First Lady Nancy Reagan down Constitution Avenue during the funeral procession for former President Ronald Reagan, June 9, 2004, in Washington, D.C. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Galen B. Jackman, commanding general of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, escorts Former First Lady Nancy Reagan from an Air Force VC-25 upon its arrival at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., June 9, 2004. Mrs. Reagan was accompanying the remains of her husband, former President Ronald W. Reagan, for a state funeral in the nation's capital. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Michael Best

[CajunConservative]

If Nancy had wanted it to be private, all she had to do was speak the words. She had full and final control over this. She didn't have to allow us into the private ceremony at all. I'm thankful she did. I'm of the opinion that the Reagans did this nation a huge favor in choosing this public ceremony.

I agree. The media just about turned the Iraq war into Vietnam over the actions of a handful of idiots but seeing the dignity and professionalism displayed highlighted the good of our men and women in uniform.

[2nd Bn, 11th Mar]

This email was making the rounds yesterday (the nicknames are the 'call signs' of Naval Aviators)

An old US Navy friend forwarded this to me. It's an e-mail from the Commanding Officer of the USS RONALD REAGAN.

---

Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2004 9:45 PM
Subject: Day 13 - While the President's body lies in repose

Good day all,

We learned almost the same time you did about President Reagan's death, our satellite systems being what they are these days. Like the rest of the country, not so much shock as sadness, and reflection on the legacy of the great man, not the least of which the name of this ship. My people take that seriously.

Almost immediately I had many good ideas for showing the crew's condolences to Mrs. Reagan and the family. The Navigator went right to the Signal Bridge and took down the National Ensign to be folded and given to the family. Sailors designed an appropriate box in which to put an even bigger flag, which we will send after our memorial service. Another thought of a log book in which any Sailor who would like could sign and send a message to the family. It's making it's way around the decks.

The next day we learned Mrs. Reagan had requested the CO of the USS RONALD REAGAN be at the Interment Service in California to present the flag from the coffin. Because the stars aligned, and we'll be at anchor, I'll be leaving tomorrow night from Rio to LA. I'll get back just in time Sunday to get the ship underway. Today Anne and my Ship's Secretary have been on the phone all morning getting a visa request for my return on Saturday/Sunday. The Brazilians are allowing me to leave via Emergency Leave orders, but I have to come back the normal way.

Very interesting day today. Began with a "PHOTOEX" of our ship, with the Brazilian carrier SAO PAOLO, formerly the French carrier FOCH, THOMAS S GATES completed the triangle. A helo from each carrier flew around the formation and took photos. A little close quarter ship-handling to start the day. Got some neat pictures from it. I've already signed a big one we've sent via helo to the CO of the SAO PAOLO. Our photo and print shops are amazing. Next, we received 16 Brazilian DV's (distinguished visitors in case you forgot) coming aboard for a day tour. Many admirals, even the Commander in Chief of the Fleet. Standard shtick is for the Admiral and me to meet them as they come off the COD (carrier on board delivery aircraft) and into the CO's door in the island. Right down to my cabin for light refreshments and welcome aboard. I told them about the Red Room, and the President's desk. They went off about tours of the ship, including being on the flight deck during operations.

Today's operations were particularly interesting. Brazilian A-4 aircraft did touch-and-goes on our deck for about two hours in the middle of the day. Don't get to see that every day, it was good to see the "Scooters" again. So, I won't be here when Good Morning America and a couple other networks are here on Friday. You'll see the XO, CAPT Drew "Bluto" Brugal. The Command Master Chief, Kathy Hansen and a few Sailors will appear as well. For the San Diego folks, I will be on the KOGO show Friday at 0700. Just that it's from LA this time. I really don't know if the Interment Service will be televised. I know it's for family and close friends. I'll certainly let you know how the trip goes. It's very important for the crew, they are honored to be thought of for representation at the service. I am honored to play a very small part for a big hero of mine.

Best, Symo

[TXnMA]

I expect that Nancy's letter of thanks to Gen. Jackman (..and I have zero doubt that she will write one...) will be a true classic. In fact, I predict that Mrs. Reagan will spend the next several weeks thanking dozens -- if not hundreds -- of folks who made the honoring of her husband so very special!

Also, did anyone notice her personal touch at Andrews when she held Jackman's arm with her left hand, and reached up with her right hand to gratefully hold the hand of the young officer who was holding the umbrella over her?

And, when Nancy patted the President's coffin, I am sure that she had used that exact same loving and soothing caress -- literally thousands of times -- to comfort her "Ronnie" as the agony that is Alzheimers slowly drained away his marvelous personality. (I know so -- for I saw my own mother do the same as that horrible affliction gradually switched off my father's intellect -- like watching the lights in a great city winking out -- one by one...)

Nancy Reagan is pure, unadulterated, and beautiful class, IMO!

What a marvelous contrast to the "dozing demons..."!!!

[TXnMA]

I'm sure you will agree...

[TADSLOS]

RLTW!

Sua Sponte

[wolficatZ]

Did you see the same things in their faces that I did?

 

Yes I did, texasflower. I'm glad I got home just in time to witness ( and record) it.

I recorded the CBS web feed so I have a  treasure trove

of  of good web quality screenshots.

 

[fso301]

"Please accept this flag on behalf of a grateful nation."

Some posters say he spoke longer than that. Perhaps he also provided a short explanation that the flag flew over the USS Ronald Reagan and any additional significant information.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Thanks for pinging me to this thread, TnMA.

This has been a healing week for America, I think...mourning and remembering those we love, honoring President Reagan's life, and others who touched our lives, now gone.

((Hugs)) to you for what must have been very difficult time, your father's illness, mother's sacrifice.

The Reagan 'children' - composed, remorseful - healing, too, I think...for a nation of disobedient 'children' - remorseful, and looking for forgiveness...and finding it - in the example of a faithful father, Ronald Reagan.

[texasflower]

Do you happen to have any idea where we could send our thanks to General Jackman?

Maybe even send him copies of all the threads here that are discussing him. I think I have seen three so far that are directly about him.

I would like for him to know how grateful we are to him for his service to President and Mrs. Reagan.

[texasflower]

did anyone notice her personal touch at Andrews when she held Jackman's arm with her left hand, and reached up with her right hand to gratefully hold the hand of the young officer who was holding the umbrella over her

I did notice that. It was really touching to see.

She is indeed a lovely woman. I am so grateful to her for taking such good care of President Reagan and for allowing us to grieve with her, even to the point of her allowing us to "attend" the private ceremony. She didn't have to give us that much, but she did.

You're description of your father's illness was very poignant. God Bless your dear mother.

[texasflower]

Yes, the Captain spoke to her longer than just to formally present the flag.

He and Nancy really connected. She gazed at him like he was saying the most important thing she had ever heard. He looked at her with awe and respect.

If I had to guess, I'll bet he was telling her that they would always uphold his honor in every activity that ship ever engaged in. And probably some personal things as well.

It was a very touching exchange.

Take a look at this post.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1152263/posts?page=17#17


And these pictures....

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1152263/posts?page=22#22