Final Farewell to President Reagan - 2004-06-09

Tens of thousands of people paid their last respects to the late President Reagan as they passed by his casket at the Reagan Library near Los Angeles. The line of mourners was so long that officials extended the viewing period of President Reagan's casket, which was draped in the American flag. A fleet of buses transported people from a nearby parking lot to the Reagan Library around the clock. Senator John Kerry, the Democratic candidate in the upcoming presidential election in November, was among those who paid their respects as they passed by the casket of the late President. Mr. Reagan, who was the Governor of California before his presidency, passed away last Saturday after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease at the age of 93. Today, the body of the late President will be flown from California to Washington, D.C., where it will be officially placed in the U.S. Capitol for nearly 40 hours. The highlight of the ceremony will be on Friday at the Washington National Cathedral during the memorial service for Mr. Reagan. After the ceremony, Mr. Reagan's remains will be returned to California for burial at sunset. The economic development, warm relations with the Soviet Union, and the Iran-Contra scandal that occurred during President Reagan's second term are reminders of the late President's administration. The Iran-Contra scandal occurred in late 1986 when the Reagan administration confirmed reports of arms sales to Iran to secure the release of Americans held hostage by Iran-backed groups in Lebanon. The Reagan administration also acknowledged that the proceeds from the arms sales to Iran were used to support the military efforts of Nicaraguan rebels known as the 'Contras,' despite Congress imposing restrictions on aid to the Contras. The revelation of this scandal led to congressional investigations, resulting in the dismissal of several government officials and convictions for some due to violations of U.S. congressional regulations. However, ongoing investigations never proved that President Reagan was aware of the secret arms sales to Iran. Nevertheless, the discovery of this scandal somewhat damaged President Reagan's popularity.