The big story of the week has been the death and funeral ceremonies of former President Ronald Regan. He died 93 years young from pneumonia, a complication of his Alzheimer’s disease.
His own death in its own way made me feel older. Reagan was president when I was born, and indeed, throughout the majority of my childhood. Thus, his passing indicates to me how long I’ve been around. Unfortunately, I know there will be many more such passings.
I attended the procession of his casket down Constitution Avenue towards the U.S. Capitol Building yesterday. There were an estimated 100,000 who braved the heat to watch the ceremony. It was above 90 degrees, and some 100 people had to be treated. What most impressed me were the soldiers lining the streets, standing at perfect attention before, during, and after the ceremony, in clearly less comfortable clothing than the rest of us. The procession had a number of bands and divisions from all braches of the military. It was an interesting display of pomp. On our walk back we saw a 21-jet flyover tribute.
I had planned to go to the Capitol today to visit his casket in the Rotunda. The line this morning, however, was about 30,000 long and expected to take 4-6 hours, according to the news. So, we decided to pass. The latest reports are saying just under a two hour wait, so I still may get down there, but I’m not sure if it’s necessary. The procession was moving enough. If I do go, it will be my third “wake” (or viewing), after Peter Hwang’s and my father’s. We shall see what the day brings.
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