America putting the “fun” back in funeral
When Nancy got out of her limo to observe the coffin being placed onto the caisson, people applauded. Because of her reception and acknowledgement of the applause, it seemed to be odd, but not completely inappropriate. Throughout the procession route, however, there were spurts of applause. Applauding during a funeral procession? Was it a funeral procession or a parade? Do people not know how to conduct themselves or is that I have been to so few funerals that I do not recognize acceptable behavior? I know the applause is meant to be supportive, it just seems out of place.
In the Rotunda
I’m not sure what to make of the prayer in the Rotunda. It began,. “Let us pray…T.S. Elliot wrote…” How did T.S Elliot become prayer material? No matter, they were praying in the U. S. Capitol, a place where lawmakers don’t stand up for much of what is right anyway, at least they were addressing God in a non-blasphemous way. Thanks was given for the gift of Ronald Reagan and his impact on the world.
Did I mishear him pray for God to begin opening the gates to a globalized world? What was that about? And what was with the request, “All powerful God, fix America…” ?!? That was vague! Depending on what he meant, I might agree with him!
The Eulogies
Senator Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, was the first to eulogize Reagan. Stevens spoke of how Reagan reminded us that government is not the solution, the people are. Stevens also noted how Reagan brought freedom to millions by opposing oppressive regimes.
Speaker of the House, Dennis Hastert was second to eulogize Reagan and thanked Nancy, “Mrs. Reagan, thank you for sharing your husband with us.”
Vice President Cheney was the last to provide a eulogy. He spoke of Reagan as a man of faith, an idealist and a courageous man who confronted falsehood with truth and overcame evil with good.
Not bad. Not bad at all.
The benediction was by Rear Adm. Barry Black, Senate Chaplain
The first thing that struck me about the benediction was the incredible voice that was delivering it. The way he said, “May the life of your servant prompt us to see you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more dearly, day by day…” - I almost expected the chorus from Godspell to jump out and finish the song. Despite my theatrical flashback, I really liked the benediction and the way he gave all the glory to God.
I enjoyed thinking about how recognizing God that way might make some people squirm.
After it was over and most people had left, someone repositioned the wreathes of flowers the three eulogizers had placed in what appeared to be a random fashion somewhere in the general vicinity of the coffin. I was wondering if that would happen as the eulogizers didn’t seem to know what they were doing.
June 11th, 2004 at 7:21 am
“Unexpected tears flowed as I watched a tiny, frail-looking Nancy Reagan stroking her husband’s flag-draped coffin. Oh, the pain of the human condition! No matter what ideology we hold, we all face the same fate: death. But believers rejoice in knowing our eternal life will be spent in the presence of God. From what I’ve heard and read this past week, Reagan was a believer. He is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior. Praise God.”
June 11th, 2004 at 9:01 am
“Let us bow for the benediction.
Oh, giver of every good and perfect gift, accept our gratitude for the life of your servant, President Ronald Reagan, whose love for freedom summoned our nation to embrace our best hopes and not our worst fears. Thank you for his ability to plant seeds of confidence and not doubt and to lift liberty’s lamp until totalitarian towers tumbled.
In the days to come, remind us of America’s opportunity to remain a shining city on a hill. Continue to comfort those who mourn. In a special way, be near to Mrs. Nancy Reagan and the family. May the death of this beloved leader prompt us to see you more clearly, to love you more dearly, and to follow you more nearly day by day.
Now fill us with your peace, as we trust you, so that we may overflow with hope by the power of your spirit. Amen. “
June 11th, 2004 at 11:50 am
Thanks.
June 11th, 2004 at 11:52 am
I’ve heard quite the same, La Shawn, and it makes me smile to think that I will get to meet him in Heaven.
June 15th, 2004 at 8:04 am
I only saw the return to California, where there again was applause, and though it was disconcerting, I think its message was “We’re with you, Nancy!”
What especially impressed me, though, was The Reverend Senator Danforth’s specifically Christian homily. Not all that expected in Washington PC. No doubt many a feather was ruffled.