"Laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind." Thomas Jefferson
The Reagan Memorial
I KNOW IN MY HEART THAT MAN IS GOOD THAT WHAT IS RIGHT WILL ALWAYS EVENTUALLY TRIUMPH AND THERE IS PURPOSE AND WORTH TO EVERY HUMAN LIFE
President Reagan knew he was going to descend into the oblivion of Alzheimer's and death. While he was still able, he supervised every detail of the Presidential Library and Museum that would be built.
Now it is open to visitors, standing on an arid hillside in the Southern California he loved, overlooking a vast vista of ranchland, ringed by imposing mountain ranges. The way he chose to be buried is remarkable, and worthy of the respect and approval of Humanists.
The setting for his burial place, called only a memorial, is not at the center of the large complex but away on the outskirts. The modest pathway leading to it is almost like a dead end since it goes nowhere else. The only sign posted on the approach that marks it as a special place is a request to refrain from eating and drinking there.
Unlike those of Lenin and Franco and Napoleon, this is a burial place that does not seek to glorify the person. It speaks rather of a man's acceptance of his humanity. The only faith expressed in its inscription is an implied faith in human beings.
There is no trace of supernaturalism. No angels with trumpets guard the grave. There is not even a flag, or a sentry on duty, nothing military. Nothing religious. No scriptural passage asserts resurrection or hope of a better life. There is no eternal flame, or even flowers. Nothing brings to mind thoughts of power or the military strength once at the disposal of a powerful world leader. President Ronald Reagan is buried away from the Museum, as if turning his back on it, a humble human being, buried looking outward to the Pacific Ocean.
The Reagan funeral was an elaborate affair, in the National Cathedral in Washington. When it was over, all but one of the world's mighty went home immediately. Only Margaret Thatcher flew out to California to say goodbye to her friend when his body was lowered into this grave.
I saw no crowds attracted to the place. When I paused there I was alone.
- F. M.
The Humanist Fellowship of San Diego is a non-profit educational organization.
