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====Return to California====
====Return to California====
After the service, the casket was removed from the cathedral and driven by hearse to Andrews Air Force Base for the final journey home, passing crowds along its route.<ref name="king">{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A35593-2004Jun11.html?nav=headlines|title=Reagan Hailed as Leader for 'the Ages'|accessdate=2008-05-22|date=[[June 12]], [[2004]]|work=The Washington Post|author=Von Drehle, David}}</ref> The family and close friends boarded the [[Air Force One|VC 25-A Presidential Aircraft]] back to California.<ref name="rr-bbc">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3800315.stm|publisher=BBC|accessdate=2008-06-05|date=[[June 12]], [[2004]]|title=Private burial for Ronald Reagan}}</ref> Nancy Reagan waved farewell to the crowds just before she boarded the plane.
After the service, the casket was removed from the cathedral and driven to Andrews Air Force Base for the return to California, passing crowds along its route.<ref name="king">{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A35593-2004Jun11.html?nav=headlines|title=Reagan Hailed as Leader for 'the Ages'|accessdate=2008-05-22|date=[[June 12]], [[2004]]|work=The Washington Post|author=Von Drehle, David}}</ref> The family and close friends boarded the [[Air Force One|VC 25-A Presidential Aircraft]],<ref name="rr-bbc">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3800315.stm|publisher=BBC|accessdate=2008-06-05|date=[[June 12]], [[2004]]|title=Private burial for Ronald Reagan}}</ref> and as she had done previously, Nancy Reagan waved farewell to the crowds just prior to boarding the plane.


About five hours after the plane left Andrews Air Force Base, it touched down at Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu, California. The public, including sailors from the [[USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76)|USS ''Ronald Reagan'']], was there to witness the plane's arrival.<ref name="rr-cbs">{{cite news|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/06/05/national/main621238.shtml|title=A Nation Bids Reagan Farewell|accessdate=2008-06-05|date=[[June 11]], [[2004]]|publisher=CBS|work=Associated Press}}</ref> Reagan's body was driven in a large motorcade, by hearse, on one final trip though the streets of southern California.<ref name="rr-cbs"/> As they had done throughout the week, crowds gathered along the motorcade route on its {{convert|25|mi|km|sing=on}} journey to Reagan's final resting place, his [[Ronald Reagan Presidential Library|presidential library]] in Simi Valley.<ref name="rr-cbs"/>
About five hours after the aircraft departed Andrews, it touched down at Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu, California. The public, including sailors from the [[USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76)|USS ''Ronald Reagan'']], was there to witness the plane's arrival.<ref name="rr-cbs">{{cite news|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/06/05/national/main621238.shtml|title=A Nation Bids Reagan Farewell|accessdate=2008-06-05|date=[[June 11]], [[2004]]|publisher=CBS|work=Associated Press}}</ref> Reagan's body was driven in a large motorcade on one final trip though the streets of southern California.<ref name="rr-cbs"/> As they had done throughout the week, crowds gathered along the motorcade route on its {{convert|25|mi|km|sing=on}} journey to Reagan's burial place, his [[Ronald Reagan Presidential Library|presidential library]] in Simi Valley.<ref name="rr-cbs"/>


====Burial service and interment====
====Burial service and interment====
The service drew 700 people, including former Reagan Administration officials such as [[George Shultz]], and [[Hollywood]] actors and other celebrities, such as Reagan's first wife, [[Jane Wyman]], [[Kirk Douglas]], [[Charlton Heston]], [[Mickey Rooney]], [[Dolores Hope]] (widow of [[Bob Hope]]), [[Merv Griffin]], [[Tommy Lasorda]], [[Wayne Gretzky]], [[Scott Baio]], [[Bo Derek]], [[Tom Selleck]], [[Pat Sajak]], [[Wayne Newton]], and the [[Frank Sinatra|Sinatra]] family.<ref name="rr-msnbc"/><ref>[http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0406/11/se.01.html "The State Funeral of Ronald Reagan"] CNN Live Coverage Transcripts, June 11, 2004.</ref> There were also dignitaries as well: [[Margaret Thatcher]], who travelled on the plane from Washington, sat next to [[Governor of California|California Governor]] [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]]<ref name="rr-msnbc"/> and his wife [[Maria Shriver]], and former California Governor [[Pete Wilson]], as well as former Los Angeles Mayor [[Richard Riordan]].<ref name="rr-bbc"/> The three surviving Reagan children, [[Michael Reagan|Michael]], [[Patti Davis|Patti]], and [[Ron Reagan|Ron]], gave final eulogies at the interment ceremony.<ref>[http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2004-06-12-children-eulogies_x.htm "Reagan's children's eulogy remarks"]. ''USA Today'', June 12, 2004.</ref>
The service drew 700 invited guests, including former Reagan administration officials such as [[George Shultz]], and [[Hollywood]] actors and other celebrities, including Reagan's first wife, [[Jane Wyman]], [[Kirk Douglas]], [[Charlton Heston]], [[Mickey Rooney]], [[Dolores Hope]] (widow of [[Bob Hope]]), [[Merv Griffin]], [[Tommy Lasorda]], [[Wayne Gretzky]], [[Scott Baio]], [[Bo Derek]], [[Tom Selleck]], [[Pat Sajak]], [[Wayne Newton]], and the [[Frank Sinatra|Sinatra]] family.<ref name="rr-msnbc"/><ref>[http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0406/11/se.01.html "The State Funeral of Ronald Reagan"] CNN Live Coverage Transcripts, June 11, 2004.</ref> There were also dignitaries as well: [[Margaret Thatcher]], who travelled on the plane from Washington, sat next to [[Governor of California|California Governor]] [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]]<ref name="rr-msnbc"/> and his wife [[Maria Shriver]]; former California Governor [[Pete Wilson]] was in attendance, as well as former Los Angeles Mayor [[Richard Riordan]].<ref name="rr-bbc"/> The three surviving Reagan children, [[Michael Reagan|Michael]], [[Patti Davis|Patti]], and [[Ron Reagan|Ron]], gave final eulogies at the interment ceremony.<ref>[http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2004-06-12-children-eulogies_x.htm "Reagan's children's eulogy remarks"]. ''USA Today'', June 12, 2004.</ref>


Eulogies finished, and the service over, the Air Force Band of the Golden West played four "[[ruffles and flourishes]]," and the U.S. Army Chorus sang the [[The Star-Spangled Banner]]. Bagpiper [[Eric Rigler]] played "Amazing Grace" as the casket was moved to its grave site and placed on a plinth.<ref name="rr-bbc"/> There, burial rites were given, followed by a last [[21-gun salute]];<ref name="rr-msnbc"/> members of the armed services fired three volleys and a bugler played [[Taps]].<ref name="rr-msnbc"/> At that time, Four Navy [[F/A-18 Hornet|F/A-18]] fighter jets flew over in [[missing man formation]],<ref name="rr-msnbc"/><ref name="rr-bbc"/> and the flag that flew over the Capitol during President Reagan's 1981 inauguration was folded and presented to Nancy Reagan by Rear Admiral [[James Symonds]], the commanding officer of the ''[[USS Ronald Reagan]]''.<ref name="rr-cbs"/>
Eulogies finished, and the service over, the Air Force Band of the Golden West played four "[[ruffles and flourishes]]," and the U.S. Army Chorus sang the [[The Star-Spangled Banner]]. Bagpiper [[Eric Rigler]] played "Amazing Grace" as the casket was moved to its grave site and placed on a plinth.<ref name="rr-bbc"/> There, burial rites were given, followed by a last [[21-gun salute]];<ref name="rr-msnbc"/> members of the armed services fired three volleys and a bugler played [[Taps]].<ref name="rr-msnbc"/> At that time, Four Navy [[F/A-18 Hornet|F/A-18]] fighter jets flew over in [[missing man formation]],<ref name="rr-msnbc"/><ref name="rr-bbc"/> and the flag that flew over the Capitol during President Reagan's 1981 inauguration was folded and presented to Nancy Reagan by Rear Admiral [[James Symonds]], the commanding officer of the ''[[USS Ronald Reagan]]''.<ref name="rr-cbs"/>


After Nancy Reagan accepted the flag, she approached the casket and spent several minutes gently patting and stroking it.<ref name="rr-bbc"/> She laid her head down on the casket, before breaking down and crying; ''[[The Washington Post]]'' described Mrs. Reagan as having been "stoic through nearly a week of somber rituals" but she "surrendered to her grief after being handed the flag that had covered her husband's coffin."<ref name="king"/> While she cried, she kissed the casket and said "I love you".<ref name="rr-msnbc">{{cite news|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5144264/|title=Sun sets as Reagan laid to rest in California|publisher=MSNBC|date=[[June 12]], [[2004]]|accessdate=2008-06-05|work=Associated Press}}</ref> Her children surrounded her, and attempted to console her.<ref name="rr-msnbc"/> Mrs. Reagan then took one last look at her husband's casket, and walked away with her military escort, clutching the folded flag. The military band began to play, as the Reagan children said their goodbyes. Funeral attendees than had an opportunity to file past the coffin.
After Nancy Reagan accepted the flag, she approached the casket and spent several minutes gently patting and stroking it.<ref name="rr-bbc"/> She laid her head down on the casket, before breaking down and crying; ''[[The Washington Post]]'' described Mrs. Reagan as having been "stoic through nearly a week of somber rituals" but she "surrendered to her grief after being handed the flag that had covered her husband's coffin."<ref name="king"/> While she cried, she kissed the casket and said "I love you".<ref name="rr-msnbc">{{cite news|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5144264/|title=Sun sets as Reagan laid to rest in California|publisher=MSNBC|date=[[June 12]], [[2004]]|accessdate=2008-06-05|work=Associated Press}}</ref> Her children surrounded her, and attempted to console her.<ref name="rr-msnbc"/> Mrs. Reagan then walked away with her military escort, clutching the folded flag. The military band began to play, as the Reagan children said their goodbyes. Funeral attendees had an opportunity to file past the coffin.


The casket was lowered into the tomb at approximately 3:00 AM [[PST]];<ref name="rr-bbc"/> the exterior of the horseshoe shaped monument is inscribed with a quote Ronald Reagan delivered in 1991:<ref name="rr-msnbc"/> {{cquote|I know in my heart that man is good, that what is right will always eventually triumph, and there is purpose and worth to each and every life.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2004/06/12/president_laid_to_rest_in_sunset_services/|title=President laid to rest in sunset services|author=Hutcheson, Ron and Dawn C. Chmielewski|work=The Boston Globe|accessdate=2008-06-05|date=[[June 12]], [[2004]]}}</ref>}}
The casket was lowered into the tomb at approximately 3:00 AM [[PST]];<ref name="rr-bbc"/> the exterior of the horseshoe shaped monument is inscribed with a quote Ronald Reagan delivered in 1991:<ref name="rr-msnbc"/> {{cquote|I know in my heart that man is good, that what is right will always eventually triumph, and there is purpose and worth to each and every life.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2004/06/12/president_laid_to_rest_in_sunset_services/|title=President laid to rest in sunset services|author=Hutcheson, Ron and Dawn C. Chmielewski|work=The Boston Globe|accessdate=2008-06-05|date=[[June 12]], [[2004]]}}</ref>}}

Revision as of 17:33, 1 July 2008

The casket bearing the remains of former President Ronald Reagan lies in state in the United States Capitol Rotunda

The 40th President of the United States, Ronald Wilson Reagan, died on June 5, 2004, after suffering from Alzheimer's disease for nearly a decade. A six day state funeral followed, spanning from June 5th to 11th.

After Reagan's death his casket was taken from his Bel-Air, Los Angeles, California home to the Gates, Kingsley and Gates Funeral Home in Santa Monica, California. On June 7, it was transported by hearse and displayed at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, then flown to Washington, D.C. on June 9 for a service, public viewing and tributes at the U.S. Capitol Building. After lying in state for thirty-four hours in the Capitol Rotunda, a state funeral service was conducted at the Washington National Cathedral on June 11, the day that President George W. Bush declared a national day of mourning. Later that day, after the service, Reagan's casket was transported back to California for interment at the Reagan Presidential Library.

The state funeral was executed by the Military District of Washington (MDW) and was the first since that of Lyndon B. Johnson in 1973, as the last president to die, Richard Nixon, who presided over that funeral, did not have a state funeral.

Death

President Ronald Reagan

On the morning of June 5, 2004 there were reports indicating that former President Ronald Reagan's health had significantly deteriorated, following ten years of Alzheimer's disease.[1] According to Reagan's daughter, Patti Davis, "At the last moment, when his breathing told us this was it, he opened his eyes and looked straight at my mother. Eyes that hadn't opened for days did, and they weren't chalky or vague. They were clear and blue and full of love. If a death can be lovely, his was."[2] His wife, former First Lady Nancy Reagan, told him that the moment was "the greatest gift you could have given me."[2] President Reagan died of pneumonia at his home at 13:09 PDT (20:09 UTC, or 16:09 EDT). At his side were his wife and two of his children, Ron and Patti.[3] His eldest surviving child, Michael, was with his father the day before.

A hearse arrived and the body was transported down Sunset Avenue in Los Angeles to the Gates, Kingsley and Gates Funeral Home in Santa Monica.[4] Following his death, Nancy Reagan released a statement through the office of her husband, saying:

My family and I would like the world to know that President Ronald Reagan has passed away after 10 years of Alzheimer's disease at 93 years of age. We appreciate everyone's prayers.[5]

Declarations and tributes

During the week-long events, each time Nancy Reagan appeared in public, she was escorted by U.S. Army Major General Galen B. Jackman

President George W. Bush was in Paris when Reagan died and acknowledged the death in a press conference.[6] President Bush said this on June 5, 2004:

This is a sad hour in the life of America. A great American life has come to an end. I have just spoken to Nancy Reagan. On behalf of our whole nation, Laura and I offered her and the Reagan family our prayers and our condolences.

Ronald Reagan won America's respect with his greatness, and won its love with his goodness. He had the confidence that comes with conviction, the strength that comes with character, the grace that comes with humility, and the humor that comes with wisdom. He leaves behind a nation he restored and a world he helped save.

During the years of President Reagan, America laid to rest an era of division and self-doubt. And because of his leadership, the world laid to rest an era of fear and tyranny. Now, in laying our leader to rest, we say thank you.

He always told us that for America, the best was yet to come. We comfort ourselves in the knowledge that this is true for him, too. His work is done, and now a shining city awaits him. May God bless Ronald Reagan.[7]

American flags at the White House, across the United States, and around the world over official U.S. installations and operating locations, were ordered flown at half-staff for 30 days in a presidential proclamation by President Bush.[8][9] In the announcement of Reagan's death, Bush also declared June 11 a National Day of Mourning.[8]

Some of the early international tributes to Reagan included those of Queen Elizabeth II, former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, British Prime Minister Tony Blair, former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin, and French President Jacques Chirac.[10] Canadian Prime Minister Martin ordered all flags across Canada and at all Canadian diplomatic missions in the United States flown to half-staff on the 11th as well, in sympathy with the U.S.'s National Day of Mourning.[11]

People marked Reagan's death by leaving tributes and condolences at U.S. embassies and consulates overseas, as well as at locales around the country significant to Reagan's life, including his presidential library, his birthplace in Tampico, Illinois, the funeral home where his body was taken after he died, and the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity house in Eureka, Illinois.

Funeral events

Reagan Library

Nancy Reagan leans her head on her husband's casket at his presidential library

On June 7, Reagan's body was removed from the funeral home and driven in a 20 miles per hour[4] motorcade, by hearse, to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.[12]

Reagan's casket, a Marsellus Masterpiece model,[13] was carried by a military honor guard representing all branches of the United States Armed Forces[14] into the lobby of the library to lie in repose.[15] There, a brief family service was conducted by the Rev. Dr. Michael H. Wenning, former pastor of Bel Air Presbyterian Church, where Reagan worshiped.[16] When the prayer service concluded, Nancy Reagan and her family approached the casket, where Mrs. Reagan laid her head on it.[16] After the family left, the doors of the presidential library opened, and the public began filing in at a rate of 2,000 an hour throughout the night. In all, about 108,000 people visited the presidential library to see the casket.[17]

Departure to Washington

On June 9, Reagan's casket was removed from the presidential library and driven in a motorcade to Naval Base Ventura County Point Mugu in Ventura, California;[18] it was the same airfield Reagan flew into and out of during his presidency when visiting his California ranch.[19] SAM 28000, one of the two Boeing 747-200s, which usually serves the president as Air Force One, arrived to transport the casket to Washington. Thousands of people gathered to witness the plane's departure. Just before she boarded the VC-25A Presidential Aircraft, Nancy Reagan waved to the crowd with her military escort at her side. The plane lifted off at about 9:40 AM PST.[20]

Events in Washington

In Washington, D.C., members of Congress, and much of the public, paid tribute to Reagan immediately after his death and throughout his funeral.

Funeral procession

The caisson with President Reagan's casket on Constitution Avenue, marching to the Capitol

Events in the capital began when Reagan's casket arrived at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland. It was removed from the plane, driven by hearse in a procession through the Maryland and Virginia suburbs and the nation's capital, across the Memorial Bridge, and onto Constitution Avenue.[21]

Just before the plane arrived at Andrews, the Capitol building was evacuated for a brief period, for a plane carrying Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher was off course and created a scare by entering restricted airspace; the incident was attributed to radio problems onboard the plane and did not affect funeral events.[22]

Near the Ellipse, and within sight of the White House, the hearse halted and Reagan's body was transferred to a horse-drawn caisson for the procession down Constitution Avenue to Capitol Hill.[21] Nancy Reagan stepped out of her limousine to witness the body's transfer; she was met with a warm greeting, including much applause.[21] The cortege began the 45 minute journey just after 6:00 PM EST, with the Reagan family following in limousines.[21] Military units escorted the caisson as it made its way to the sounds of muffled drums. Behind the caisson was a riderless horse named Sergeant York, carrying Reagan's riding boots reversed in the stirrups; this symbolizes a fallen comrade, as well as that the deceased was mounted in their life, and will continue to be mounted thereafter.[23] The caisson paused at 4th street and Constitution Aveneue, where 21 Air Force F-15s flew over in missing man formation.

Capitol Hill

The Bushes pay their respects to Reagan

The caisson stopped when it arrived at Capitol Hill; military units removed it, and Hail to the Chief was played amidst a 21-gun salute.[24][25] The casket was carried up the west front steps of the Capitol, mainly because Reagan was first inaugurated there and he wanted to face west, toward California.[25] Two teams of military body bearers carried the coffin up the steps of the Capitol to Battle Hymn of the Republic.[24][25]

When the casket reached the top of the steps, Nancy Reagan and her military escort met it. As the casket passed them, Mrs. Reagan momentarily pulled away from her escort, reached out, and touched the casket.[25] They followed it inside, and into the rotunda.

The casket was placed under the rotunda, where it lay in state on Abraham Lincoln's catafalque.[26] An evening memorial service then took place, with dignitaries primarily composed of Congressional members, members of the United States Supreme Court, and the diplomatic corps;[27] the Reverend Daniel Coughlin, Chaplain of the House of Representatives, gave the invocation.[28] Eulogies were then delivered by Senate President pro tempore Ted Stevens, House Speaker Dennis Hastert, and Vice President Dick Cheney.[28]

After the eulogies, the three speakers each laid a wreath at the casket, and Senate Chaplain, the Reverend Barry Black, gave the benediction.[28] Cheney escorted Mrs. Reagan to the casket, where she said her goodbyes.[28] The dignitaries in the room paid their respects during the next half hour. In a rare instance, the doors of the Capitol were then opened to the public, who stood in lines streching many blocks to view the casket.[26]

Public viewing

The general public stood in long lines waiting for a turn to pay their respects to the president. People passed by the casket at a rate of about 5,000 per hour (83 per minute) and the wait time was about three hours. In all, 104,684 paid their respects when Reagan lay in state.[29][30] The D.C. subway set a daily record in ridership of 850,636 as a result.[31]

After returning to Washington following the G-8 Summit, President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush visited the rotunda to pay their respects.[32] Many world leaders did the same, including interim Iraqi President Ghazi al-Yawer, former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, former Polish president Lech Wałęsa, and former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.[32]

While Reagan's casket lay in state, Nancy Reagan and her family took up temporary residence in Blair House, the official residence of guests of the President of U.S.[32] There, she was greeted by additional dignitaries and public figures. During a visit from Margaret Thatcher, the former Prime Minister wrote in the Blair House condolence book, "To Ronnie, Well done, thou good and faithful servant."[32]

State funeral service

Reagan's casket is carried into the Washington National Cathedral, June 11

After thirty-four hours of lying in state, the doors of the Capitol were closed to the public and Nancy Reagan was escorted in, where she had a moment alone with the casket. A military honor guard entered and carried it down the west steps of the Capitol to a 21-gun salute where Mrs. Reagan, holding her hand over her heart, met it.[33] After it was placed in a hearse, the motorcade departed on the five mile-trip to the Washington National Cathedral, where the state funeral service was to be held; crowds lined the route of the cortege as the hearse made its way.[33]

Dignitaries

About 4,000 people gathered at the cathedral for the service, including President and Mrs. Bush, former president George H. W. and Barbara Bush, Gerald and Betty Ford, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, and Bill and Hillary Clinton. Members of Congress and past and present governors were also present.[34]

Foreign dignitaries attended as well, coming from 165 nations. The dignitaries included 36 past and present heads of state and government, and U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan. Leading the dignitaries were Mikhail Gorbachev, Margaret Thatcher, Brian and Mila Mulroney, and Prince Charles (representing Queen Elizabeth II and the United Kingdom).[35] Other world leaders included U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife Cherie, German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, Jordan's King Abdullah, as well as interim presidents Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan and Ghazi al-Yawer of Iraq.[35] Blair, Schröder, Berlusconi, Karzai, King Abdullah, and al-Yawer had been at the G-8 Summit in Sea Island, Georgia, and later decided to extend their stay in the U.S. to attend the funeral. For Karzai, the funeral was part of his week-long visit to the U.S. and it was the beginning of his visit to Washington. He scrapped a visit to the West Coast to visit the Afghan community there to attend the funeral.

Cathedral events

President Bush delivers a eulogy to President Reagan

The motorcade arrived at the Cathedral and Reagan's casket was removed. The bearers carrying it paused on the Cathedral steps, and an opening prayer was given by Bishop John Bryson Chane, Dean of the Washington National Cathedral.[36] The procession began and the casket was carried down the isle; the Reagan family followed and Mrs. Reagan was escorted to her seat by President Bush. Rabbi Harold Kushner and Supreme Court Associate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor (the first female Supreme Court justice, whom Reagan appointed), each then gave a reading, which preceded the eulogies.[36] The choir then sang hymns—"Faire is the Heaven"; "Bring Us, O Lord"; "And I saw a New Heaven"[37]—and then former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher delivered the first eulogy. In view of her failing mental faculties following several small strokes, the message had been pre-recorded several months earlier and was broadcast throughout the Cathedral via plasma television screens. During the speech, Thatcher said, "We have lost a great president, a great American and a great man, and I have lost a dear friend."[36]

Following Lady Thatcher's eulogy, former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney delivered one. Mulroney ended with, "In the presence of his beloved and indispensable Nancy, his children, his family, his friends and all of the American people that he so deeply revered, I say au revoir today to a gifted leader and historic president and a gracious human being."[36]

Former President George H. W. Bush then spoke;[36] Bush had been Reagan's Vice President from 1981 to 1989. His son, President George W. Bush, was the last to give a eulogy, saying in part, "Ronald Reagan belongs to the ages now, but we preferred it when he belonged to us... In his last years he saw through a glass darkly. Now he sees his savior face to face. And we look for that fine day when we will see him again, all weariness gone, clear of mind, strong and sure and smiling again, and the sorrow of this parting gone forever. "[36]

The choir then partook in singing "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and Theodore Cardinal McCarrick, Archbishop of Washington, delivered a Bible reading from the Gospel of Matthew.[36] The service officiant, former Missouri Senator the Reverend John C. Danforth, delivered the homily,[38] Irish tenor Dr. Ronan Tynan sang songs such as "Ave Maria" and "Amazing Grace" at the request of Nancy Reagan.[33] The Reverend Ted Eastman, former Bishop of Maryland, delivered the benediction, flanked by Reverend Danforth and Reverend Chane.

Interment at the Reagan Library

The memorial service at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Nancy Reagan says her last goodbyes to the president just prior to the interment
Mrs. Reagan walks away from President Reagan's grave site after accepting the flag and saying her goodbyes

Return to California

After the service, the casket was removed from the cathedral and driven to Andrews Air Force Base for the return to California, passing crowds along its route.[39] The family and close friends boarded the VC 25-A Presidential Aircraft,[40] and as she had done previously, Nancy Reagan waved farewell to the crowds just prior to boarding the plane.

About five hours after the aircraft departed Andrews, it touched down at Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu, California. The public, including sailors from the USS Ronald Reagan, was there to witness the plane's arrival.[41] Reagan's body was driven in a large motorcade on one final trip though the streets of southern California.[41] As they had done throughout the week, crowds gathered along the motorcade route on its 25-mile (40 km) journey to Reagan's burial place, his presidential library in Simi Valley.[41]

Burial service and interment

The service drew 700 invited guests, including former Reagan administration officials such as George Shultz, and Hollywood actors and other celebrities, including Reagan's first wife, Jane Wyman, Kirk Douglas, Charlton Heston, Mickey Rooney, Dolores Hope (widow of Bob Hope), Merv Griffin, Tommy Lasorda, Wayne Gretzky, Scott Baio, Bo Derek, Tom Selleck, Pat Sajak, Wayne Newton, and the Sinatra family.[42][43] There were also dignitaries as well: Margaret Thatcher, who travelled on the plane from Washington, sat next to California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger[42] and his wife Maria Shriver; former California Governor Pete Wilson was in attendance, as well as former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan.[40] The three surviving Reagan children, Michael, Patti, and Ron, gave final eulogies at the interment ceremony.[44]

Eulogies finished, and the service over, the Air Force Band of the Golden West played four "ruffles and flourishes," and the U.S. Army Chorus sang the The Star-Spangled Banner. Bagpiper Eric Rigler played "Amazing Grace" as the casket was moved to its grave site and placed on a plinth.[40] There, burial rites were given, followed by a last 21-gun salute;[42] members of the armed services fired three volleys and a bugler played Taps.[42] At that time, Four Navy F/A-18 fighter jets flew over in missing man formation,[42][40] and the flag that flew over the Capitol during President Reagan's 1981 inauguration was folded and presented to Nancy Reagan by Rear Admiral James Symonds, the commanding officer of the USS Ronald Reagan.[41]

After Nancy Reagan accepted the flag, she approached the casket and spent several minutes gently patting and stroking it.[40] She laid her head down on the casket, before breaking down and crying; The Washington Post described Mrs. Reagan as having been "stoic through nearly a week of somber rituals" but she "surrendered to her grief after being handed the flag that had covered her husband's coffin."[39] While she cried, she kissed the casket and said "I love you".[42] Her children surrounded her, and attempted to console her.[42] Mrs. Reagan then walked away with her military escort, clutching the folded flag. The military band began to play, as the Reagan children said their goodbyes. Funeral attendees had an opportunity to file past the coffin.

The casket was lowered into the tomb at approximately 3:00 AM PST;[40] the exterior of the horseshoe shaped monument is inscribed with a quote Ronald Reagan delivered in 1991:[42]

I know in my heart that man is good, that what is right will always eventually triumph, and there is purpose and worth to each and every life.[45]

Music

Music played during the week-long events included four ruffles and flourishes, "Hail to the Chief," "My Country 'Tis of Thee," "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," "Amazing Grace," "Eternal Father, Strong to Save" (also known as "The Navy Hymn"), "God of Our Fathers," "Mansions of the Lord," "God Bless America," "America the Beautiful," and Going Home.[37][40][42]

Security measures

The state funeral marked the first time that Washington hosted a major event since the September 11, 2001 attacks.[46] As a result, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designated the state funeral a National Special Security Event (NSSE).[47] Special precautions were taken because many of the events were open to the public and there were multiple protectees.[47] As means of assisting the motorcade, many streets were temporarily blocked off by law enforcement.[47] However, DHS was handling another NSSE at the same time: the G-8 Summit in Sea Island, Georgia.

Media comments on funeral coverage

The majority of media coverage of the event was deferential. Most major news organizations broadcast the various events live multiple times; during the week, the cable channel C-SPAN broadcasted uninterrupted coverage of the funeral ceremonies. A few complained, however, that the television coverage was excessive and preempted coverage of other events. CBS News anchor Dan Rather was quoted as saying: "Even though everybody is respectful and wants to pay homage to the president, life does go on. There is other news, like the reality of Iraq. It got very short shrift this weekend."[48]

Reagan's obituaries also included a few criticisms. Richard Goldstein of The Village Voice criticized the funeral for its careful orchestration, writing, "Because the networks had so long to plan for this production... this was the most precisely mounted news event in modern times. Each gesture was minutely choreographed, every tear strategically placed."[49]

Additionally, some media outlets were criticized for lionizing Reagan without paying equal attention to more controversial decisions made during his administration. Thomas Kunkel, dean of the University of Maryland, College Park's journalism college, wrote in American Journalism Review magazine that the coverage "would have you believe that Reagan was a cross between Abe Lincoln and Mother Teresa, with an overlay of Mister Rogers."[50] Howard Kurtz, The Washington Post's media columnist, said Reagan was "a far more controversial figure in his time than the largely gushing obits on television would suggest."[51] The Nation ran a series of articles about the many controversies of his presidency.

References

Reagan's tomb
  1. ^ Buncombe, Andrew (2004-06-06). "Relatives gather as Reagan's health fades" (Reprint). The Independent on Sunday. Retrieved 2008-02-03.
  2. ^ a b "Reagans shared one last moment". CNN. June 8, 2004. Retrieved 2008-06-12. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. ^ "Ronald Reagan: The 'Great Communicator'". June 6, 2004. Retrieved 2008-03-09. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |pubsliher= ignored (|publisher= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ a b Guthrie, Julian (June 9, 2004). "For Reagan mortician, the 'honor of a lifetime'". The San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 2008-03-09.
  5. ^ "Nancy Reagan statement on Reagan's death". Associated Press. The Baltimore Sun. 2004-06-05. Retrieved 2008-02-03. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  6. ^ "President Bush praises Reagan: 'His work is done'". CNN. 2004-06-08. Retrieved 2008-02-03.
  7. ^ "President's Remarks on the Passing of President Ronald Reagan". June 6, 2004. Retrieved 2008-03-09. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |pubsliher= ignored (|publisher= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ a b George W. Bush, "Announcing the death of Ronald Reagan". Press release, Office of the Press Secretary, June 6, 2004.
  9. ^ George W. Bush, "Returning the Flag of the United States to Full-Staff" Press release, Office of the Press Secretary, July 2, 2004.
  10. ^ "Ronald Reagan: Tributes". BBC. 2004-06-06. Retrieved 2008-02-03.
  11. ^ "Half-Masting of the Flag". Ministry of Canadian Heritage. Retrieved 2008-02-03.
  12. ^ "Thousands pay respect to Reagan in California". CTV News, June 8, 2004. Retrieved on 2008-03-09
  13. ^ Cullen, Lisa Takeuchi (August 6, 2006). "Opening the Box". Time. Retrieved 2008-03-09.
  14. ^ "Ronald Reagan laid to rest in California". CBC News. June 12, 2004. Retrieved 2008-03-09.
  15. ^ "Outline of Funeral Events in Honor of Ronald Wilson Reagan" (Press release). The Office of Ronald Reagan. June 6, 2004. Retrieved 2008-03-09.
  16. ^ a b "Mourners gather for first of farewells". Associated Press. The St. Petersburg Times. June 8, 2004. Retrieved 2008-03-09. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  17. ^ "100,000 file past Reagan's casket". CNN. June 9, 2004. Retrieved 2008-04-20.
  18. ^ Wilson, Jeff (June 9, 2004). "Plane carrying Reagan's casket leaves for Washington for his state funeral". The Associated Press. High Beam Research, Inc. Retrieved 2008-04-20.
  19. ^ Roberts, Steven V (August 14, 1987). "Reagan's Helicopter In a Near-Collision With a Small Plane". The New York Times. Retrieved 2008-04-20.
  20. ^ "Reagan ceremonies to shift to nation's capital". USA Today. June 10, 2004. Retrieved 2008-04-20.
  21. ^ a b c d Ryan, Dennis (June 11, 2004). "The line of march, celebrating a president's life". Pentagram Newspaper, Fort Myer. Military District of Washington. Retrieved 2008-04-20.
  22. ^ "Capitol Evacuated Before Reagan Procession". CNN. June 9, 2004. Retrieved 2008-04-20.
  23. ^ Faulkner, Claire A. "Arlington's Ceremonial Horses and Funerals at the White House" (PDF). Retrieved 2008-04-20.
  24. ^ a b [javascript:playClip(clip20) Formal funeral procession to U.S. Capitol. Casket is transferred from hearse to a horse-drawn caisson at 16th St. & Constitution Ave., NW] (rmp) (Television production). Washington, D.C.: C-SPAN. Retrieved 2008-05-03. {{cite AV media}}: Check |url= value (help); Unknown parameter |date2= ignored (help)
  25. ^ a b c d Davis, Julie Hirschfield (June 10, 2004). "A nation pays its respects". The Baltimore Sun. Fox News, Channel 59 Inndianapolis. Retrieved 2008-05-03.
  26. ^ a b "Thousands pay tribute to Reagan". June 11, 2004. Retrieved 2008-04-20.
  27. ^ Loughlin, Sean (June 10, 2004). "Reagan's body lies in state". CNN. Retrieved 2008-05-03.
  28. ^ a b c d Dewar, Helen and Charles Babington (June 10, 2004). "GOP Leaders Eulogize The 40th President". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2008-05-03.
  29. ^ Lak, Daniel. "Reagan lies in state at Capitol". BBC, June 11, 2004. Retrieved on 2008-03-09.
  30. ^ "United States Capitol Police Press Releases: Lying In State for former President Reagan". United States Capitol Police. Retrieved on 2008-03-09
  31. ^ Ginsberg, Stephen and Fred Barbash (June 11, 2004). "Road Closures Planned in District". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2008-06-06. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  32. ^ a b c d "President Bush, Tens of Thousands Visit Casket". Associated Press. Fox News. June 10, 2004. Retrieved 2008-05-03.
  33. ^ a b c Branigin, William (June 11, 2004). "Thousands Bid Farewell to Reagan in Funeral Service". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2008-05-04.
  34. ^ "Slideshow: Funeral service". CNN.com.
  35. ^ a b "Reagan funeral guest list". BBC. June 10, 2004. Retrieved 2008-05-03.
  36. ^ a b c d e f g "The State Funeral of Ronald Reagan". CNN. June 11, 2004. Retrieved 2008-05-04.
  37. ^ a b "Preludal Music & Texts of the Anthems, Hymns & Solos Performed During the Funeral Service for Ronald Wilson Reagan at Washington National Cathedral" (PDF). Office of the Director of Music, Washington National Cathedral. June 10, 2004. Retrieved 2008-05-04.
  38. ^ "Text of Danforth homily". Associated Press. USA Today. June 11, 2004. Retrieved 2008-05-04. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  39. ^ a b Von Drehle, David (June 12, 2004). "Reagan Hailed as Leader for 'the Ages'". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2008-05-22. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  40. ^ a b c d e f g "Private burial for Ronald Reagan". BBC. June 12, 2004. Retrieved 2008-06-05. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  41. ^ a b c d "A Nation Bids Reagan Farewell". Associated Press. CBS. June 11, 2004. Retrieved 2008-06-05. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  42. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Sun sets as Reagan laid to rest in California". Associated Press. MSNBC. June 12, 2004. Retrieved 2008-06-05. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  43. ^ "The State Funeral of Ronald Reagan" CNN Live Coverage Transcripts, June 11, 2004.
  44. ^ "Reagan's children's eulogy remarks". USA Today, June 12, 2004.
  45. ^ Hutcheson, Ron and Dawn C. Chmielewski (June 12, 2004). "President laid to rest in sunset services". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 2008-06-05. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  46. ^ Freund, Charles Paul (June 10, 2004). "Jellybeans and Jitters". Reason. Retrieved 2008-06-12. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  47. ^ a b c Baldwin, Craig. "Planning and Operations for Special Events in Washington, D.C. — WWII Memorial Dedication and the Funeral of President Ronald Reagan". United States Department of Transportation — Federal Highway Administration. Retrieved 2008-06-12.
  48. ^ Shister, Gail. "Network anchors see excess in Reagan funeral coverage." The Philadelphia Inquirer, June 8, 2004, page E01. Retrieved 2005-05-11.
  49. ^ Goldstein, Richard. "Das Rongold: Reagan's funeral as a Wagnerian opera. The Village Voice, June 15, 2004. Retrieved 2005-05-10.
  50. ^ Kunkel, Thomas. "Fade-out". American Journalism Review, August/September 2004. Retrieved 2005-08-25.
  51. ^ Kurtz, Howard. "Reagan: The Retake". The Washington Post, June 7, 2004. Retrieved 2005-08-25.
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