Wed, Sep 22, 2004
Alongside Marine One At Reagan Library
"This is magnificent. Everything that President Reagan loved is
here today."
Those words came from Los Angeles (CA) Police Chief William
Bratten, as he escorted former First Lady Nancy Reagan at a
ceremony marking the installation of Ronald Reagan's Air Force One
into his presidential library in Simi Valley.
SAM 27000 arrived at the library in pieces. The 153-foot long
fuselage was eased into the library's $25 million Air Force One
Pavilion after a precarious trip up the side of a mountain in dense
fog.
A team of engineers from Boeing will attach the wings to the
fuselage as work on the pavilion is completed. The aircraft's nose
will be mounted on a pedestal, giving the impression the 707, known
as the "Spirit of '76" is taking off.
The aircraft wasn't Reagan's alone. Instead, it was used by
Presidents Nixon, Ford, Carter, Bush (41) and Clinton.
"This is an absolutely magnificent location and appropriate for
honoring President Reagan," Bratten said as he looked at the
exhibit. "It's quite an honor for us to participate in this
event."
President Reagan died June 5th after a long battle with
Alzheimer's Disease. He was 93. Mrs. Reagan visited his grave site
for a few moments before Monday's ceremony.
During the festivities, Boeing's Rudy deLeon handed the first
lady and those attending oranges -- remembering Mrs. Reagan's habit
of rolling an orange down the plane's aisle for luck.
The pavilion also features Marine One, several police vehicles
and a limo. It should be completed around the middle of next
year.
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