Viewing the Caisson, Bidding Farewell ...

self | joanie--f

[eyespysomething]

Thank you.


** wiping yet more tears **

[ALOHA RONNIE]

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..RONNIE gave all = We have it all..

http://www.TheAlamoFILM.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=52519


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[Lurker]

I hadn't gotten misty-eyed until just now.

Thanks for the post joanie.

L

[Maria S]

Bless you! You furnished a wonderful detail (with great pictures!) of an event most of us weren't able to attend. Your particulars and fine points made the post exceptional.

[joanie-f]

I graduated from the University of California when he was the Gov. The Gov. always signs the diplomas of all U of C graduates. It is above my desk as I type this through teary eyes.

What a wonderful keepsake!

On a similar note, I heard a story last week about a woman who wrote to President and Reagan and Nancy, applauding their excellent work in combatting drug use. She gave a bit of personal history in the letter, including the fact that her son, who had benefitted from their program, was now drug-free and preparing to enroll in college.

President Reagan sent her a personal check for $200, and asked her to use it toward his education.

After showing it to friends, she was convinced not to cash the check (because the mere signature on it would be worth more than the $200), so she wrote President Reagan a thank you note, and happened to mention that she was going to frame the check rather than cashing it.

The President then called his accountant, and asked him to write another check, so that the $200 would wind up in the woman's possession.

If that isn't Reaganesque (and typical of his compassion -- no photo ops, no publicity -- and along the line of the kind of thoughtful thing he did many hundred of times), I don't know what is!

[joanie-f]

Thanks for the kind comments.

[Noumenon]

Only lesser men have followed him.

[knick knack]

WOW! Thank You!

[joanie-f]

The respectful behavior of the crowd. Respectful to his memory and to the surroundings. No trash or rowdiness. Commendable.

That impressed me all day as well. As I mentioned, there were thousands of bottles of spring water handed out during the day. They were consistently deposited in trash barrels. And when the barrels were full, they were deposited in centralized piles that one person would start and others would gravitate to. There was no vocal or physical rowdiness. Generally a completely solemn and respectful atmosphere. And, considering the size of the crowd, that is really a testimony to the man who was being honored.

[skeeter]

Thanks Joanie

Speaking for myself, this whole event has effected me far more than I suspected it would, even watching as I have from my living room. I can hardly imagine seeing it in person.

[joanie-f]

Thanks for the kind comments, Les.

[octobersky]

Excellent pictures, excellent post!
bttt

[Fiddlstix]

BTTT

[joanie-f]

I'd wondered if those weren't his boots.

They were flown in from the ranch. And, from their appearance, they were not even polished (somewhat worn and scuffed) -- which only served to add to their significance and genuineness.

[Doneel]

Thanks for the great pictures and narration

[joanie-f]

Those boots! Those boots! Those classy brown cavalry boots. Only three presidents in the last Century could fill those boots. Theodore Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, and of course, Ronald Reagan.

I have two pictures of Reagan at his ranch on my guestroom walls, and I believe the boots are the same. Yesterday they were worn and somewhat scuffed -- unpolished for the ceremony -- which made it all the more meaningful.

[Abigail Adams]

Thanks for sharing! (bump)

[joanie-f]

Joanie, you've done much to ease the pain I'm feeling, and I'm willing to bet a lot of Freepers feel the same way.

Thank you so much for saying that. I have been unconsolable since last Saturday, so I understand what you mean. To know that this may have helped means a great deal.

[joanie-f]

I hope it is acceptable that I have printed your tribute for my children (one who will be voting for the first time this year) to read.

I'm honored. Thank you for letting me know. (BTW, 'irishlass' is my handle on another (financial) message board. :)

[joanie-f]

Thanks for the kind comments.