F is for Funeral and Finality

An Alphabytes Entry

F is for Funeral and Finality

Today is the day Former President Reagan’s body arrived in Washington DC. While it’s not his funeral, it is the very heart of it. His body will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda. With Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen to stand their guard over his earthly remains.

The pageantry of the whole day has left me feeling very awestruck. If, for no other reason to watch the events of this day (exception to respect), it would be to observe the traditions and pageantry of our great nation.

My face is wet with tears for watching this ceremony. Listening to the different speeches, my tears started with Vice President Cheney’s speech. I’ve been watching Nancy Ragan dragged around on each telecast. I know that emotionally, this day is hard for her. She was so love with him. Physically, this day has worn her down. He was the age of my father’s mother; Nancy is the age of my mom’s mother. While my grandmother is in great health, I know this day would have killed her. I feel for Nancy. She looked bedraggled and tired when she went up to touch his coffin. She’s always maintained such a dignity.

Sam Donaldson pointed out something I noticed long ago. Ronald Reagan set the standard for me when it comes to recognizing sacrifice. His showing up at funerals for fallen Soldiers and Sailors, holding family members in their grief, or his going out to Andrews AFB and pinning medals to the flag draped coffins. I feel such anger when I think that we are not allowed to view the coffins coming in to Andrews. I think sacrifice is lost when we turn a blind eye to it.

He was my hero from the day he took office. And he has remained my hero. It’s hard to topple someone so much larger than life. I think of his words, “...That I should appeal to your best hopes and not your worst fears.” That you do Mr. President, that you do. God bless and God speed.

-30-