Washington bids Reagan final goodbye
From The "Wolf Blitzer Reports" staff
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- From a dignified departure at the Capitol, to a cathedral filled to capacity with leaders past and present, Friday's events served as both a somber farewell and a celebration of the life of Ronald Reagan.
The late president's closest friends and allies gathered together to pay tribute.
Lady Margaret Thatcher, the former British prime minister, delivered her eulogy on videotape.
"We have lost a great president and a great man, and I have lost a great friend," said Thatcher.
Another close friend, former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, spoke of Reagan's grace in leadership.
"No one could more eloquently summon his nation to high purpose or bring forth the majesty of the presidency and make it glow, better than the man who saw his country as a "shining city on a hill,'" said Mulroney.
The day's emotional watershed came from the man who served at Reagan's side, and ascended in his wake.
"As his vice president for eight years, I learned more from Ronald Reagan than from anyone I encountered in all my public life. I learned kindness. I learned courage," said former President George H.W. Bush, as he choked back tears.
But along with the sense of loss came stories of the lighter moments, and the Reagan humor.
"Once, after a meeting with the Reverend Desmond Tutu, he was asked how it went. He said 'so-so.' That was so, so typical ... Wonderful!" said the former President Bush.
The current President Bush spoke of the personal courage of the man he considers his political role model.
"Americans saw death approach Ronald Reagan twice: In a moment of violence, and then in the years of departing light. He met both with courage and grace. In these trials, he showed how a man so enchanted by life can be at peace with life's end," said President Bush.
The procession moved from Washington National Cathedral to Andrews Air Force Base for a final military salute.
The plane departed for a final sunset burial in California. Ronald Reagan left Washington, for the last time.
