Some conservatives may argue there aren’t enough Republicans on the Hill. Well, they can rejoice in now having another Republican permanently in the Rotunda — albeit one made of bronze.
Partisanship was not on anyone’s mind as former first lady Nancy Reagan unveiled the Capitol’s newest statue — that of President Ronald Reagan.
Joining Mrs. Reagan in the place her husband was both sworn in to begin his second term and where he laid in state after his death were Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.; Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.; House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio; Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.; former California Gov. Pete Wilson; and former Speaker Dennis Hastert, R.-Ill; and Reagan’s Chief of Staff and Secretary of the Treasury James Baker.
All the speakers touched on President Reagan’s dedication to freedom and his role in bringing down the Berlin Wall, pieces of which were placed inside the statue.
Mrs. Reagan was mentioned almost as often by those who spoke, frequently citing the support she gave her husband and thanking her for her strength.
When she finally approached the podium to address the packed room, she began by discussing her last time under the dome. “The last time I was in this room was for Ronnie’s service so it’s nice to be back under happier circumstances,” Reagan said.
She then quickly thanked the crowd and said, “That’s it,” before walking over to the statue and yanking off the cover. With her arm around Boehner, she walked over to touch the statue, and wiped away some tears.
And we can be sure the president would have liked it as well. The jovial 40th president is depicted grinning, as if about to laugh at one of his own jokes.
“Its a wonderful likeness of Ronnie, and he would be so proud,” Mrs. Reagan said.
