The nation�s capitol began preparation several days ago to honor and lay to rest Ronald Wilson Reagan.
The mood here is somber.
Many people have chosen not to attend the memorial, out of safety concerns.
The federal gov�t itself has granted liberal leave to fed employees.
Metro will be running hours earlier to accommodate citizens coming to pay their final respects.
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While I did not vote for Mr. Reagan, I respect him greatly as he was the lone individual with both gift and abilities to end The Cold War Era.
He brought down The Berlin Wall, ushering peace and capitalist trade into nations which never enjoyed those liberties.
This is of particular personal significance because my mother and step-father served in East Berlin, near Checkpoint Charlie.
I played basketball tournaments and visited Clay Kaserne, as well as served as a Goodwill Youth Ambassador to Ost (East) Berlin.
My thoughts and prayers are with The First Lady, Mrs. Reagan and her family.