State Funeral for Ronald Regan

[Tulirose]

Originally posted by Virgo10
......just one other thing... I have given a lot of thought to the brave people on Flight 93. Although we'll never know for sure, one of the apparent targets was the US Capitol. Because of their selfless determination, that symbol of our country stands today. We will forever be in their debt.Roberta

I thought it was just me being morbid but I had the same thoughts while watching the ceremony, especially when they were showing the different views of the Capitol building. I was actually wondering how much of the building would have been restored by now if those terrorists had been successful.

The ceremony and eulogies were something I am glad to have witnessed live.

 

[CourtasanSatine]

I was thinking the same thing for some reason while watching the service

 

[HollyJoy]

For the first time...ever... did Nancy Reagan seem so alone. So very sad. When she reached out to touch his coffin as it passed by her at the Rotunda, I lost it.

 

[Cruise04]

They told the same story on CNN last night and I had almost the same thoughts - I felt so bad for that man that had to tell THE PRESIDENT that. But I think Mrs. Reagan was right in telling the gentleman to tell Mr. Reagan what he observed. That's what CNN said happened. And they also said that Reagan took it with grace and agreement. I just found it so much more meaningful to have HIS boots on that riderless horse!

I just read some of the threads above me. I agree re: the capitol. If the terrorists would have gotten there, I don't know if I would have had the priviledge to stand right where Reagan's casket is standing today back in April. I felt so honored seeing the ceremony last night and knowing I stood right in that same spot. It was just kind of touching.

 

[Jeafl]

I thought the whole thing was beautiful. I started out watching ABC, until they had some jerk named Richard Reeves on there commenting. Peter Jennings asked him to tell us someting about Reagan that we didn't know and he made some comment about how Reagan didn't have any friends. He also said something about how America was his "favorite child" and that his kids always took a backseat in his life (I'm paraphrasing). Whether it was true or not I thought it was in bad taste to bring it up at that moment. I switched channels after that and was much happier.

I was amazed that they said the casket weighed over 700 lbs., and that they only had 6 men to carry it at a time. Carrying it up all those stairs must have been very difficult, but the servicemen were always in total sync and made it look effortless. Someone was saying that there was a 300 page manual detailing every aspect of the service to make sure everything went smoothly.

I thought the 21-gun salute, the missing man formation and the riderless horse were very touching and something I will probably never forget.