Margaret Thatcher delivered the first eulogy. Due to health problems, doctors advised the Iron Lady eighteen months ago to refrain from any more public appearances. But before withdrawing from the public eye, Lady Thatcher insisted on recording a eulogy to be read at Ronald Reagan's funeral. The eulogy, accompanied by video tape, was a fitting tribute to Reagan. Lady Thatcher reminded the world that Ronald Reagan had the courage to stand firmly against communism even when many in inteligensia believed that the Soviet Union could not be defeated. It was important to Thatcher that the historical record of that time be preserved, lest anyone think that it was common knowledge that victory could indeed be achieved over the Evil Empire. In closing, Lady Thatcher said, "The world mourns the passing of the Great Liberator and repeats his prayer. God bless America."
Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney gave a stirring eulogy as well. President George H.W. Bush gave perhaps the most personal and emotional eulogy of the service, at one point pausing to choke back tears. The elder Bush also moved the mourners to laughter in recalling some of Reagan's stories.
Then the current President Bush concluded the eulogies. Like many this week, Bush's eulogy extolled Reagan's virtues of courage and optimism. But unlike most others, Bush concluded his eulogy by asking from where President Reagan drew those qualities. The answer: his Christian faith. Bush also said that Reagan "believed that America was not just a place in the world but a hope to the world." Speaking on Reagan's courageous stand against the Evil Empire, Bush said, "There were no doubters among those who swung hammers at that hated wall that the first and hardest blow had been struck by Ronald Reagan." Bush wrapped up his eulogy by reminding a mourning nation that President Reagan is now in the presence of his Savior.
Following Bush's moving remarks, the choir broke into a stirring rendition of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." It was one of the most majestic events that I have ever seen. I thank Ronald Reagan for being the man worthy of the words spoken about him today, and I thank Nancy Reagan for allowing the nation to have a funeral such as this.
(Reuters)
