Reagan on final Washington trip
2004-06-09 16:36
Simi Valley - More than 106 000 people in California paid homage to Ronald Reagan before the former president's remains were to be flown to Washington on Wednesday on Air Force One, for three days of official funeral events.
The flood of people overwhelmed staff at Reagan's presidential library here, which stayed open for four additional hours to allow the snaking lines of mourners to bid farewell to the 1980s "Cold War warrior".
Some endured sleepless 12-hour journeys from their homes to the coffin to carry out their often-tearful pilgrimage to visit the charismatic leader.
Reagan's widow, Nancy, was deeply moved by the mass mobilisation and flood of affection for her husband of 52 years, who died on Saturday at the age of 93 after a 10-year battle with Alzheimer's disease.
"It's unbelievable what I'm seeing on television," she said. "The outpouring of love for my husband is truly amazing."
Movie stars among the mourners
Among the army of mourners who paid silent tribute to the former Republican president's flag-draped coffin on Tuesday was Democratic presidential hopeful John Kerry.
Hollywood movie stars Bo Derek, who starred in the 1979 movie 10 and Morgan Fairchild also joined the crowds to pay their last respects to Reagan, who was a matinee idol before launching his political career.
New Mexico governor Bill Richardson, a Democrat, also visited the library, while California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who, like Reagan, was a Hollywood star before becoming governor, paid tribute on Monday.
Nancy Reagan set the tone for the national outpouring of affection and grief on Monday when she briefly and tenderly pressed her cheek against the casket after it arrived at the library.
At 08:30, the former first lady will escort the casket from the presidential library to an air base, from where Air Force One will take off for its five-hour flight to Washington.
On Wednesday evening, Reagan's casket was to be carried through the streets of Washington on a gun carriage in a slow-moving military procession punctuated by the beat of a muffled drum.
Reagan's remains will lie in state in the Capitol.
Risk of terrorist attack
An initial state funeral service will be held in the Capitol rotunda before the building opens at 08:30 on Thursday to allow thousands of people to pay their last respects to one of the most popular US presidents in history.
Capitol Hill police chief Terrance Gainer estimates that between 150 000 and 200 000 people will file past Reagan's remains after passing a screening procedure similar to an airport's.
The mourning and services have been declared national special security events because of the risk of a terrorist attack.
Hundreds of US and world dignitaries will attend the state funeral at Washington's National Cathedral on Friday, before Reagan's family accompanies his remains back to California for a sunset burial at his library.