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Posted on 06/10/2004 8:54:43 AM PDT by RobFromGa
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Thank you so much for sharing your experience!!
How were you dressed. I watch on cspan and I see more people dressed formally but I am troubled by people who believe shorts are appropriate. (ok 1 or 2 who are there by accident but it seems way to many made a consciouse decision.)
At least they are removing their hats.
I have my own Reagan encounter story --
I was attending community college in the San Jose, CA, area in 1970. Since high school days, I had done volunteer work for the Santa Clara County Republican Central Committee (registration of voters, GOTV, helping at rallies, that sort of thing). At this time, Pres. Nixon had just approved the tactic of following the Vietcong into Cambodia. The libs, of course, were scandalized by the "escalation" of the war. The local GOP decided to do a petition drive to send signatures of support for the policy to Pres. Nixon.
When the petitions were handed-out to volunteers at the GOP headquarters, Governor Reagan was to speak that night at a fundraiser for a local GOP assemblyman, running for re-election. I got the hairbrained idea that I'd show up at the Hyatt in San Jose (where the function was being held), and see if I could get Gov. Reagan to sign line #1 of my petition. I hung around the entrance where I figured he and his party would enter the hotel. His limo eventually rolled up, security guards started pouring out of everywhere, but I didn't give my intentions a second thought. As Reagan approached the door, I moved in, blurting out, "Governor, would you sign this petition supporting Pres. Nixon's Cambodia policy?" He stopped, turned, and said, "By all means." He signed my petition, I thanked him as he handed it back, and he turned and headed into the hotel. A guy I knew who took photographs for the local Republican Party was on hand to take photos of Reagan's visit, and he snapped a picture of the Governor signing my petition. He later gave me a copy. There was Ronald Reagan, holding my clipboard, signing the petition, me on the left of the photo with a big goofy grin on my face, and big burly security guy in between us. You can imagine, Ronald Reagan's signature at the top of my petition generated a lot of other signatures. The executive director of the county GOP made a photocopy of the Reagan-signed petition, allowing me to keep the original. I still have it, and the photo, buried in my file cabinet at home.
I caught the Santorum conference you mentioned. I enjoyed it very much. All except for Sen. Gordon Smith (R-Oregon), whose pessimism about GWB's reelection chances annoyed me. He asked Peggy Noonan, "as a woman," how GWB could communicate better to women about his Iraq policies, or else, Gordon said, GWB wouldn't be reelected. Well, I'm a woman, and I think both Gordon's question and Noonan's answer sucked.
What? Did Bill Clinton show up in his boxers?
You're right. I also have a signed picture of Nancy and Ronald Reagan, framed, and on the wall of my office at home. But the petition, and the photo of Gov. Reagan and a very skinny college freshman is more personal.
YOu should take them out... and get them matted and framed. That is one terrific story. Thanks for sharing.
Hi friends,
I went down to the Capitol at 3AM to get in line to pay my respects to President Reagan. Waited in a very cordial line for about 3 1/2 hours (including the strangely-behaving-man-leaving-a-backpack (but it wasn't a bomb) scare...was right by where I was) and finally got up to the top of the hill and into the Rotunda of the Capitol. Totally silent, with the 4 honor guards at each corner of the almost larger than life flag draped casket. You could feel the joyful solemnity. I said silently, "Lord Jesus please say hello to President Reagan for me." To which the immediate cheerful reply (in my thoughts) was "Hi Ralph!" I thought back, "You know me?" and the thought said back, "I do now!" .... Just my mind playing tricks? Perhaps, or perhaps not.
I then slowly and reverently left, and when leaving they gave us all an engraved card marking the occasion, and outside the Capitol building we were invited to sign guest books (just like at a regular funeral).
All in all a terrific experience. I'm convinced, due to the righteousness of Christ, Mr. Reagan is with his Lord and Savior now... According to his adopted son evangelical Christian Michael Reagan, President Reagan had on numerous occasions, in his own private personal way, expressed his clear faith, not just vaguely in God, but specifically in Jesus Christ.
The long goodbye of altheimer's is over, and Ronald Reagan is having a great time thinking clear thoughts -- more lucid and memorable than ever, no doubt (he's probably making even our Lord smile from corny jokes :) ).
Anyway, I've got a groggy day ahead.
God bless you all, God bless the Reagans, and of course, God bless America!
Sincerely,
Ralph W. Davis
I got back this AM after waiting for 4.5 hours in line and it was worth every minute. The crowds were in good spirits as they made their way through the mazes of lines, but after we got through the metal detectors, the mood changed. When you exit the final security check, you walk out onto the main level of the Capitol's West Front and there was silence. A solemness took over as people made their way to the entrance into the Capitol. From there people ascended a staircase to the Rotunda. I passed through a doorway into the Rotunda filled with the faithful, the honor guard, the great artwork of the Rotunda, and the flag draped coffin. Several people cried and the whole minute inside the Rotunda was exceptional.
I had on brown pants, a light blue button down, a red-white-and blue tie, a sportjacket and a flag pin. It was hot so I took off the jacket and tie from about 1pm till the flyover. I wouldn't disparage those that wore more casual clothes though, it was hot and some people are on vacation.
Oh Rob, thank you so much for that description, it was almost like we were there with you.
Thanks for conveying your experience, RFG!
Thanks for the link, PKM!
Thanks for sharing my experience with me, I am glad that I could make it.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks for your positive comments, I appreciate them!
Thanks for reading, hope it felt like being there a little bit... That was my intention anyway.
What a fabulous report and a special place in history. Thank you for sharing your day with us.
One More Tribute
Bill
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