Reagan's processional
Published June 10, 2004
Yesterday, I walked a few blocks over to Constitution Avenue to watch the funeral procession for former President Ronald Reagan. Regardless of whether or not you supported/liked the man, this was a historical event, and a way to show respect for the office. I have a few observations which I'd like to share with you.
- There were quite a few people there; where I was standing (4th & Constitution, near the Canadian embassy), it was about ten deep on the South side of the street and (I would guess) fifteen people deep on the Northern side.
- The military bands went marching by, and occasionally they played a tune (Amazing Grace, My Country 'Tis Of Thee, etc.). I suppose this makes sense, but it seemed out of place to me. I think I was expecting only the muffled drum beats and nothing else.
- One of the companies of Army soldiers had their supervising sergeants marching out of step. Well, it actually seemed more like they were just walking anyway they saw fit whereas everyone else (and I do mean everyone else marching in the processional) was in step with their own group.
- When the actual caisson passed by, some people in the crowd applauded. I suppose they were trying to show support, but it didn't seem all that apropos to me. Or perhaps they intended to push across the impression of "Yeah, he's dead!"?
- Similarly when Mrs. Reagan's limo passed by.
- When the jets flew overhead (and I happened to be directly under them), a loud cheer and applause broke out. I have to admit it, though, it was pretty cool. (said in my best Beavis & Butthead voice)
- Afterwards, I heard some people being interviewed by TV/radio. They were saying stuff like "It was just the most wonderful thing!" "I'm just so overjoyed that I could be here!" "It's just exciting to be here!" "And when the band came back on for the encore, I was just blown away!" Well, all except for that last one, but I just wanted to ask some of these people if they thought that exuberance was the reaction they would want at their funeral.
- Reagan's processional
- Published: June 10, 2004
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- Section: Culture
- Writer: Casper
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It would have been both memorable AND life-changing had the band starting playing "Smoke On the Water".
-- but hey, the funeral is *still going on, so maybe there's a chance.
*written in Dec of 2006
BTW: Dirtgrain:
I've heard the following soooo many times in the last few days:
"...a historical event"
and
"...a way to show respect for the office (or 'man')"
--and they both struck me as the most meaningless, underexamined cliches I've heard in a while. I'm not sure that either line actually holds up under examination.
What is it about touching a flag, a coffin, or standing in line for 8 hours to see same that constitutes a "showing of respect"? Is it the sacrifice one made to be there? ie, the long ride? The leg pain? I dunno.
Can one "show respect" in the privacy of one's own home? Can one pay "tribute" without standing in front of what is essentially a symbolic box?
I dunno.
But then again, I've always felt that cemetaries are for the dead -- and flowers should be for the living.
Dirtgrain: I never said it was life changing or that this funeral would somehow change the world. What I did say is that it's historical. Besides the banal statement this event will be entered in to history (well, everything is, so no big deal), it's only the 37th time ever (I think), and the first since LBJ. The odds are not very high that it would happen again in my lifetime.
Shark: You can show respect in the privacy of your own home. To me, it seems that making the effort to go somewhere out of your way is a stronger statement.
...it's only the 37th time ever (I think), and the first since LBJ. The odds are not very high that it would happen again in my lifetime.
37 in about 200 years? That would be on average every five-and-a-half years. If I weren't planning on living that long, I'd have FAR more important things to do right now.
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How is this a historical event? Sure, people are making a huge deal over it, but am I going to remember the death of 94-year-old ex-president as a moment that changed the world? Maybe you mean that it's an event that you will never forget. But is it life changing? If so, why?