Fulks remembers Reagan (6/10/04)

I know that some may have to be dragged kicking and screaming to honor our late President Reagan, but he is deserving of our honor as a nation. I remember well, most of the same voices who were lauding him on the Sunday forum shows this week, could find virtually nothing complimentary to say about him when he was in office.

I can tell you first hand, that he almost single-handedly restored pride in being an American again. We used to be restricted from wearing our uniforms in public in some locations due to the confrontation that was expected. His strong support of us when he was Commander in Chief was manifested in the form of us all being able to, and even proud to, wear our military uniforms out in public again.

I will never forget the response, that his "no where to run and no where to hide" speech about terrorist bombings of the Pan Am Flight over Lockerbie, Scotland, received among us on active duty at the time. We rallied behind him, and were proud to have him as our Commander in Chief. He had a unique way of saying what he meant, and meaning what he said, that is all too rare in politics at any level.

I will miss him, and am comforted by the knowledge that he has found his "bright shining city" that he spoke so eloquently of, when we were privileged enough to have him with us.

Rest in Peace Gipper, a grateful nation mourns you're passing, as you ride into the sunset.

In my role as a public relations officer for the American Legion, I have fielded a few phone inquiries about the proper display of the U.S. Flag with regard to the upcoming State Funeral of President Reagan. This is the first State Funeral in more than thirty years.

The last was for Lyndon B. Johnson. President Nixon's family did not request one. The protocol for this ceremony involves much planning and pomp and circumstance that dates back to George Washington's funeral.

The sitting President issues an official Presidential Proclamation as per the U.S. Constitution. He can set a national day of mourning, and in this case, has done so. This coming Friday, June 11, is set aside to be that day.

In this proclamation is also the duration for which all US Flags are to be flown at half staff. This will be for a duration of thirty days from the date of President Reagan's death, which occurred at 1300 hrs Pacific Time on June 5th 2004.

Sincerely,

James D. Fulks III,

public relations officer,

American Legion 5th District

Department of Indiana[[In-content Ad]]