[RobFromGa]

my thoughts on my day in line and the Public Viewing of Reagan, sorry it's so long, I left a lot of things out.

[steveyp]

Thanks for this report.

But do digress a bit, what did the fellow have to say about Lady Thatcher and the President?

[KJacob]

Very cool.
There is a part of me that wishes this week would never end.

[YaYa123]

I just flippid to C-span, a few minutes before noon. C-span is showing the people coming through the rotunda.

I Saw Paul wolfowitz...accompanied by a Brig Gen.....and a young, adorable, crew cutted Marine Sgt. And then I saw, the Marine Sgt was on crutches, with no hands, his arms still bandaged. The Gen held his crutches for the Marine, so that he could render a salute to President Reagan.

I'm married to a retired soldier. My Daddy lost his right hand in a work accident. And I've known two Army Generals who served long after they lost legs in Viet Nam. I can't tell you how emotional this sight was for me.

God Bless America

[grellis]

You know, my sinus infection isn't going to get any better if my fellow Freepers keep making me cry like this.

[A Citizen Reporter]

What a wonderful account. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[carton253]

Wonderful...

Thanks for sharing.

I worked on RWR's 1980 campaign. My first campaign and my first election. I showed up to vote on election night. I must have had 10 RR button's on my jacket. The line was long... I politicked even while in line. "You're going to vote for RR, aren't you?" "You're not actually going to vote for Carter, are you? You want four more years of this?"

The Sunday before the election RWR came to Cincinnati. I worked the venue. He came to the Convention Center along with Charleston Heston, Jim Rhodes, Hugh O'Brien... I was a Reaganette. Had a cowboy vest on and a cowbay hat. I stood in front of the stage. The organizers were expecting maybe 2,000 to 3,000 people. I remember that the place was packed. The organizers had to keep opening up folding walls to allow the people in.

When RWR was leaving the state, I piped up... "It was nice to meet you, Mr. President." He turned and looked me and smiled as only he could. "Mr. President, I like that."

Made my young life...

God bless this great man! I miss him so much!

[adam_az]

Thank you for the wonderful report!

[jackbill]

I understand that former Reagan staffers are "standing guard" in the Rotunda, taking shifts.

[DoctorMichael]

My comments HERE.

[Godzilla]

Thank you for your observations. You stood not only for your self, but the thousands across the country who are unable to get there to pay our respects. Thank you to your and the other Freepers who've made the pilgrimage.

[mcmuffin]

Thank you for the wonderful report.

FloRida FReeper FRegards!

[adam_az]

Every time I've hear "Hail to the Chief" in the past week, I can't help but feel that the song was written specifically for President Reagan.

It has fit him more than any other President in my lifetime.



A message to my fellow FReepers:

Rather than honoring the man by naming things after him...

Honor his memory by standing up for his beliefs.


We shouldn't put his face on money or name on buildings...


We should honor him by halving the size of the Federal Bureaucracy!

[onyx]

Rob, your report brought me to tears.
I'm so happy you went and recounted it
to us in such wonderful detail.

The generosity of the guy who bought the pizzas
just goes to show you the character of so many
of the folks who adored President Reagan.

I am heartened to hear that the people in line
also think highly of GWB. I hope, come November,
we will win another one for the Gipper, complete
with a GOP sweep of the Senate and House seats
up for our taking.

(Howlin, don't miss this, and we'll be looking
for your report no later than tomorrow! )

[Xenalyte]

Wow. Thanks.

[backinthefold]

Rob,

Thank you so much for sharing this with all of us who couldnt go, but wished to have been there

Donna

[ken5050]

Tisis a great thread, as well as the other one just posted by joanie-f..and there are no doubt others..this citizen journalism is what FR is all about..can I suggest you find a way to link all these first-person accounts of the services, both here and i California, past, and tyet to come..under a separate banner somehow......thanks..

[OldFriend]

Last night Peggy Noonan commented that in the room where all the people from Reagan's two terms were congregated.....someone said to her young son. THE PEOPLE IN THIS ROOM CHANGED THE WORLD.......

That is the legacy of Ronald Reagan and it would seem that millions have not forgotten.

[Pyro7480]

Thanks Rob. I saw the entire procession from sidewalk at the intersection of Louisiana Ave. and Constitution Ave., just down the hill from the Capitol. I was awestruck to see all the service academies march by, especially the West Pointers in their wool uniforms. As the caisson was approaching, the jets practically flew right over us! It was an amazing sight. I was down to my last 9 pictures on my camera, so I had to make them count. I got a few pictures of the caisson and casket as it went by. After it passed by, I started back to my workplace to watch the state funeral events on TV. A noted Reagan historian and few other co-workers were with me as we watched. I watched him tear up at times. We both did when the Air Force Sargeants sang "America the Beautiful."

When Fox News went to O'Reilly, I watched Michelle Malkin being interviewed, then got dinner. I decided to rush back home to Virginia on the Metro, get some clothes for tomorrow, some toiletries so I could take a shower in the locker room in the basement, and before leaving my house again, said a short prayer. I got back onto the Metro, and met a father and son who had traveled up from Charleston, SC to pay their respects.

After dropping off my belongings at my workplace, I walked to the National Mall. I got in line at about midnight. I wound through the line for just under 5 hours, talking to people and reading from the book of Reagan quotes I had brought to people. I finally got into the Rotunda, and passed around the casket to the right and paid my respects with the Sign of the Cross, a short prayer, and a Reaganesque salute/wave. After staying in the Rotunda for just over a minute, I made my way out of the Capitol, receiving a memento card as I left.

I think it was totally worth waiting in line for hours, losing sleep in the process, to pay my final respects to a man who I thought was "The Nation's Grandfather" (he reminded me of my own grandfather, with the same slicked-back hair and wrinkles as my own) in the aftermath of the Challenger explosion (I was five at the time), and who was a great hero of mine in college, and still is. He will always be my hero. God bless Ronald Reagan!

[Sabertooth]

At this point we were all lined up, and I counted my position in line, I was #40—and Ronald Reagan was our fortieth President. I remember thinking I am glad I wasn’t #42. (that was Margaret Thatcher’s speechwriter but I didn’t tell him). At 9:20 or so the door to the Capitol opened. And we were admitted.

Thanks for your account. It's very touching how folks from all stations are humbled and moved by the Gentleman from Tampico.

I watched the proceedings yesterday on television, and was impressed by the formal and solemn majesty there. I was fortunate to have attended President Reagan's Repose in Simi Valley with my daughter, and note how the relatively simplicity of the proceedings here offer a sweet contrast that parallels the life of a man who rose from such humble beginngs to such brilliant heights. My appreciation of President Reagan will only grow with time.

How fortunate for you to have met Lady Thatcher's speechwriter in line. Any anecdotes?

Were there many children in line with you? There were many here, and it was truly American to see so many parents giving their kids an opportunity to touch History at such a young age.