President Ronald Reagan funeral – Airmen remember a legacy Published June 18, 2004 By Dr. James G. Roche Secretary of the Air Force WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- Throughout last week, Americans and people from around the world celebrated the memory and recognized the achievements of our former commander-in-chief, President Ronald Reagan. He became the president of the United States at a very critical juncture in our national consciousness. President Reagan will always be remembered for leading the charge to significantly reduce nuclear weapons and ending the Cold War with the dissolution of communism throughout eastern Europe and the former Soviet socialist republics.We witnessed a strong outpouring of remembrance from the world, our nation, and the men and women of the United States military. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper and I are proud of all our Airmen for their impressive tribute to President Reagan. We’re especially grateful to the Airmen who directly participated as part of the funeral cortege. Air Force color guards, honor guards, guards of honor, cordon escorts and pallbearers always displayed a quiet, proud professionalism. The 89th Airlift Wing, the 11th Wing, the United States Air Force Band, the Singing Sergeants, and cadets from the Air Force Academy all played key roles throughout the events, as did our F-15E aircrews and maintainers who provided the fly-over during the processional. The United States Air Force Band of the Golden West performed a stirring musical tribute at the burial, and there were many more airmen behind the scenes who also shined and represented the Air Force and our great nation with professionalism and dignity. The United States Air Force proudly gave its final salute to the “great communicator,” who was truly a “great leader.” Thank you for your service last week. Well done.