Posted on 06/10/2004 5:47:44 AM PDT by MadIvan
MARGARET THATCHER today paid tribute to her former close political ally Ronald Reagan as his body lay in state in Washington.
The former Prime Minister, who described him as "a great American hero", was among the mourners to visit the Capital Rotunda where the body of the former US President had been placed ahead of a national funeral service tomorrow.
The lying in state followed a ceremony which drew tens of thousands of people on to the streets of the US capital.
As the flag-draped coffin lay inside the Capitol building, Mr Reagan’s bereaved wife, Nancy, ran her hand along its length, a look of anguish on her face.
The body of the 40th President was taken to Washington after lying in repose at his official library in California.
After the national funeral ceremony, at which Baroness Thatcher will join President George Bush in eulogising Mr Reagan, there will be a private burial back at the Reagan library.
Baroness Thatcher paid a glowing tribute to the former President after hearing of his death at the weekend.
"President Reagan was one of my closest political and dearest personal friends," she said.
"He had a higher claim than any other leader to have won the Cold War for liberty, and he did it without a shot being fired.
"To have achieved so much against so many odds and with such humour and humanity made Ronald Reagan a truly great American hero."
The ceremonies in Washington have prompted a massive security operation and some streets were briefly evacuated yesterday, moments before Mr Reagan’s coffin arrived.
The former President died surrounded by his wife, his daughter Patti Davis and son Ron on Saturday, aged 93, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Indeed. When I realized it was she being escorted by Mr. Cheney, approaching the casket, I had to get closer to the TV screen. Her tender farewell was most moving.
She showed so much dignity it was the most touching moment of the ceremony.
Agree completely, an indelible memory. Thatcher, Pope John Paul, and Reagan were the triumphirate that defeated Communism and liberated Eastern Europe. It was indeed providential that these three strong leaders came together at a critical juncture in history. God bless Lady Thatcher.
Just my opinion.
Regards, Ivan
It is vital that conservatives "win one for the Gipper" this November so that the lunatic left does not win. Look at Dean, Gore, et al. These men are not sane. Their rabid creed must not be allowed anywhere near power.
Regards, Ivan
It is vital that conservatives "win one for the Gipper" this November so that the lunatic left does not win. Look at Dean, Gore, et al. These men are not sane. Their rabid creed must not be allowed anywhere near power.
Regards, Ivan
Kerry in a nutshell, Ivan.
Good to see you back.
Ivan, we've missed your posts and the Union Jack. In times of crisis, it is comforting to Americans to know we have true friends in Britain and Australia. I suspect Canada will be with us, also, after June 28.
Ivan -- what's your take on Jacques Chiraq snubbing the funeral tomorrow?
England needs to do to France on Sunday what Henry V did at Agincourt. England 3, France 0 seems about right.
Chirac is being as rude as your average Parisian waiter. He has as much class as one.
England needs to do to France on Sunday what Henry V did at Agincourt. England 3, France 0 seems about right.
After a great deal of thought, we realised we were better off if we just let the French keep the place. ;)
Regards, Ivan
A lady and a gentleman!
AWWWW! I love Maggie. She and Ronald Reagan were such good friends. I did not know she was ill. Prayers for Maggie. Thanks for the post.
And we now have Blair and Burlesconi to support our beloved Dubya, Cheney,and Rumsfeld.
After seeing Terraayyzzaa on TV and reading some of her speeches, it is clear neither of them has an IQ equal to room temperate.
Baroness Thatcher's gesture had great meaning!
Peggy Noonan, one of Reagan's chief speech writers, described a wonderful experience she had last evening as the caisson was approaching the Capitol. She entered Senator Frist's office and saw a woman standing in front of the window in the sunlight watching the proceedings below. The woman turned toward her as she entered the room and Peggy realized it was Baroness Thatcher. Peggy said for a moment she was almost transported in time imagining she had entered the office during FDR's tenure and it was Churchill who had turned toward her. The history of the moment gave her chills.
After the Reagan family left the Rotunda, the first dignitary escorted to the casket was Baroness Thatcher. The news media people commenting on the scene I don't think had expected it and almost gasped when they recognized her. I didn't expect to see her until Friday. Her willingness to make the long journey and her curtsy at the gasket brought tears to my eyes. Her simple, dignified gesture of respect has only added to the admiration this American has always felt for the lady and the country she represented so well.
Anybody know where there's a video stream of her visit?
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