The nation pays its final tribute to former President Ronald Reagan today. Former Missouri Senator John Danforth of St. Louis, an Episcopal priest, delivers the homily as he officiates at the funeral services for Reagan at the Washington National Cathedral. Services begin at 10:30 this morning. Danforth will travel with the family to California and partake in private burial services at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. Danforth has been preparing for his role since 1999 when he met with Nancy Reagan at the Reagans’ California, ranch. The Reagans sought out Danforth on the advice of the Reverend Billy Graham, who was there first choice to preside. Graham suggested they choose a back-up if his health prevented him from presiding. So President Reagan asked Danforth personally. Graham has just been released from the hospital after fracturing his pelvis in a fall.
