Ronald Wilson Reagan (1911-2004)
11 June 2004
Today is the day of Ronald Reagan’s funeral. It’s been declared a federal holiday. This morning there was a funeral service at the National Cathedral in Washington. Following that service will be a burial service in California.
The scenes on television show dignity. There is dignity throughout the military’s traditions within a state funeral. There is a reminder of the political era of Reagan. That was a time when political opponents could fight like cats and dogs until 6:00 p.m. Then, it was time for the lifelong friendships to prevail over all else. Many have said it was about being able to disagree without being disagreeable.
Here are some selected phrases from the service at the National Cathedral:
With the lever of American patriotism he lifted up the world.Margaret Thatcher
June 11, 2004Seek big, expansive dreams and causes…
He sought grand visions…
Think where man’s glory most begins and ends,
And say my glory was I had such friends.William Butler Yeats
We learned kindness and courage…
Only one person could make him lonely by just leaving the room…
The gentleman always does the kindest thing.
He believed in the Golden Rule and the Power of Prayer.
He always showed the optimist’s temperament…
You are the light of the world…
from the Sermon on the Mount
He was a light shining in darkness…Our mission is to walk as children of Light…Darkness cannot prevail…
Rev. John Danforth
Filed under: Thinking