Outside the cathedral, Tanzania RPCV Ohio Gov. Bob Taft recalled the Aug. 20, 1984, rally on Fountain Square where he first met Reagan. "It was probably the most powerful political event I ever attended," Taft said, still marveling at Reagan's ability to connect with ordinary Americans.
Reagan: America gives final farewell
Grand funeral, beautiful burial
By Carl Weiser
Gannett News Service
WASHINGTON - In grand oratory and small, funny stories, President Reagan was remembered Friday as a gentleman who was always kind, a world leader who knew what was right and a man who was lonely when his wife left the room.
"His convictions were always politely stated, affably argued and as firm and straight as the columns of this cathedral," President Bush said.
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Ronald Reagan left Washington for the last time after a funeral at Washington National Cathedral where the 40th president was mourned by every living U.S. president, world leaders, friends and family.
Reagan, who died June 5 at age 93, was buried at sunset Friday during a beautiful California evening at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley. It marked the end of a week of national mourning in which hundreds of thousands of ordinary Americans streamed past his casket both in Simi Valley, Calif., and at the U.S. Capitol.
Former President George H.W. Bush stopped briefly in his eulogy, fighting back tears as he remembered Reagan.
"As his vice president for eight years, I learned more from Ronald Reagan than from anyone I encountered in all my years of public life," the elder Bush said. "I learned kindness; we all did. I also learned courage; the nation did."
The assembly of leaders gathered at the funeral included most of the Senate, the Supreme Court, former President Clinton, former President Ford, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan and even the new president of Iraq.
"I thought it was fitting" for the man being honored, Kentucky Sen. Jim Bunning said of the funeral. "It was classy. It was sedate. People were to the point."
Kentucky's senior senator, Mitch McConnell, called the ceremony spectacular.
"The whole week has been wonderful. The president is getting recognition he deserves even from some of his bitterest enemies," he said. "It's been a sweet experience." He wouldn't say who those enemies are.
Ohio Sen. Mike DeWine said he found the ceremony moving.
"The president would have appreciated it very much," he said.
Also attending were local House members, including Rep. Steve Chabot and Rep. Rob Portman - who brought his daughter Sally, 9, and a niece - and the governors of Ohio and Kentucky.
Outside the cathedral, Ohio Gov. Bob Taft recalled the Aug. 20, 1984, rally on Fountain Square where he first met Reagan.
"It was probably the most powerful political event I ever attended," Taft said, still marveling at Reagan's ability to connect with ordinary Americans.
