LilacRose v1.0: The Procession

The Procession

I watched the Reagan funeral procession on TV. I cried, too. Like I said before, I always liked Reagan. I didn't always like Nancy; I feel differently now. She reminded me so much of my poor mother at both my brother's and my father's funerals.

This is the first State funeral I've witnessed. I don't remember the one for Johnson. I was just a kid, so I was oblivious to it. When Nixon died ten years ago, there was no State funeral and everything was much more low-key. (I guess this was because he resigned.)

Posted by Susan B. at 1:08 AM to Remembrance

Comments

Uptown Girl

I shed a few tears throughout the week too - - He was a great man

Posted on June 10, 2004 at 6:57 PM

Todd

To be honest, while I was sad during the procession and the funeral in Washington I didn't really shed a tear; I was emotional, yes, but I didn't really cry. Although I did start to tear up watching the appreciation that came from the American people - "We love you Nancy!" - that was absolutely beautiful.

What really got to me was the actual service at the Reagan Library. Between the speeches (by Ron Jr, Michael, and Patti), the flag folding, and that final moment with Nancy over leaning over the casket with her family huddled around I just lost it. I guess it was the realization that the week is over and he is finally gone.

Of course I was only eight when Reagan left office, and I barely was "into" politics I still remember a few of his keynote speeches on television - I remember watching the Berlin Wall speech (and the actual tearing down of it). I guess, like other Conservatives born in the 80's, Reagan is what began my love-affair with poltics. I do believe I was probably the only pre-teen who actively watched C-SPAN instead of MTV! :)

Not to turn this into a political rant, but we must do all we can to keep the spirit of Reagan alive by re-electing George Bush for another four years! :)

Posted on June 12, 2004 at 3:07 PM

susan b.

...the flag folding, and that final moment with Nancy over leaning over the casket with her family huddled around I just lost it.

Me too, Todd.

Posted on June 13, 2004 at 2:52 PM

Joel Fuhrmann

When I first of President Reagan's death, my initial reaction was "He's finally free", and I didn't cry, because I thought we had lost him ten years ago. When I watched the procession on Wednesday night however, my reaction was completely different: He's gone now. I let loose and cried. Similar expressions at the funeral. There is a big difference between disability and death, even in his disabled condition, his life had meaning and dignity, as shown by his last moment of life with his family.

Posted on June 14, 2004 at 10:43 AM

susan b.

Joel,

There is a big difference between disability and death, even in his disabled condition, his life had meaning and dignity, as shown by his last moment of life with his family.

Well said! I read about how in his last moments he opened his eyes and recognized Nancy. That was a great gift from God.

Posted on June 14, 2004 at 11:01 PM