Sunday, June 13, 2004
Congressman Mac Collins Cherishes Last Look
Mac Collins: On Wednesday evening, I attended the Lying in State Ceremony for President Reagan in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol. Congress reserves this special honor for only a select few...It was a fitting tribute to our President and his family.
On Friday, my wife Julie and I attended the memorial service for President Reagan at the National Cathedral. We were honored to attend this service and give our respects to Mrs. Reagan and the other members of the Reagan family.
President Reagan embodied some of America's greatest qualities: integrity, civility and hope. His leadership paved the way for a better America and a safer world.
President Reagan believed in less government, lower taxes and a strong defense. For those who thought the government was the solution for America's problems, his reply was, "government is not the solution. Government is the problem."
Ronald Reagan was a president who, in a time of politicians, proved himself a statesman. He was a leader who, when others demanded compromise, preached conviction; a gentleman who, in time of average men, stood taller than anyone else.
He ranks as one of the finest men ever to hold the office. He was successful as a broadcaster, actor, union leader, Governor and President. But, above all else, he was a successful American whose legacy lives on across this land.
May God bless this great man, his family and this land that he so dearly loved.
Atlanta Journal Constitution
RONALD REAGAN: 1911-2004: SOUND BITES BACK HOME
Congressman cherishes last look
When U.S. Rep. Mac Collins received one of just 2,100 invitations to the most exclusive event of the commemorative week, he had a question: Could his wife, Julie, accompany him to Ronald Reagan's funeral Friday at the National Cathedral?
Word came that spouses were welcome, and she flew up Thursday to join him.
In a ceremony whose every detail was dictated by Reagan and his family, from the speakers to the songs, Collins said he'll most remember the moment the casket was rolled down the cathedral aisle one last time.
"That would be the last time you would view him," he said. "That was the most passionate time of the service."
--- Staff writers Gayle White, Andrea Jones and Matthew C. Quinn in Atlanta and Bob Kemper in Washington
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