Where C-SPAN is the local TV news
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| The Washington Canard Where C-SPAN is the local TV news |
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Wednesday, June 09, 2004
REAGAN HAS ARRIVED  It's late and I'm a bit sloshed, but I should say that I did indeed take my place along the barricades lining Constitution Avenue to see the motorcade bringing Ronald Reagan into Washington for the last time.
I would have got a better view had I not stopped first to visit the Lincoln Memorial (for the first time in a few years) and thoroughly explore the WWII Memorial (for the first time -- it's pretty good). I made my way over to Constitution between 15th and 17th with about an to hour ago, and managed to negotiate an almost decent viewpoint. I had a great view of the motorcade coming in, but when it parked and the casket was transferred to the horse-drawn carriage I lost visual contact with the start of the funeral procession. Walking down the sidewalk in that direction didn't help; the crowd was such that I couldn't move up to get a better picture. But I took a number of pictures, several of which may show up here if I can get them scanned. I should say that although I did not tear up (whereas I did a bit watching the Rotunda funeral ceremony later on, during the Air Force choir rendition of a song I don't usually care much for, "America the Beautiful") the approach of the motorcade and the presence of his body inside that flag-draped coffin was very affecting. As I saw the lights from the first few cars approach on Constitution, I put my hand to my mouth in a manner I usually associate with awe-struck tourists. It was a unique moment. There's more to report on it all, but I'm incapable of doing it now. Perhaps I'll elaborate in another post. But the fact of it is, if I'm going to see his casket in the Capitol Rotunda before it leaves for good on Friday morning, I'll have to cut out all other plans tomorrow afternoon (including a fateful softball game against our cross-town rivals) to wait out the 10+ hours it will take to get inside. A co-worker of mine -- interestingly, the leftest-leaning of several leftists I work with -- has been in line since 8:00 p.m. and doesn't think he'll make it past Mr. Reagan until at least 1:00 a.m. tonight. But this is history. I'm glad he's there. I hope to be as well. (Yes, this is also on AP.) |
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