Military Bids Proud Farewell to Reagan

Amid weapons, planes, camouflaged troops and generals in dress uniform, President Reagan on Thursday received lavish gratitude and a proud farewell from U.S. military men and women whom he, in turn, praised for their “martial virtues.”

In a ceremony in a cavernous hangar at Andrews Air Force Base outside Washington, the military services saluted their commander in chief with bands, awards, honor guards, a patriotic film and a fife and drum corps wearing red-coated Revolutionary War uniforms. Rain and fog forced the pageantry indoors and canceled a scheduled jet flyby, but the traditional 21-gun salute sounded on schedule.

Benefited From Buildup

The magnitude of the farewell ceremony was not surprising. Reagan, popular with the public in general, is particularly beloved by the military, which has benefited from the huge defense buildup during his tenure.

But, as important as the money has been to the Pentagon, the spirit Reagan fostered got the most attention Thursday.

“You have made patriotism fashionable again and serving in the military attractive,” said Adm. William J. Crowe Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. “Your influence is reflected every day in our recruiting and retention statistics and, especially, in the spirit of our young people.”

As 1,400 high-ranking military men and women in the audience looked on, Secretary of Defense Frank C. Carlucci said: “I hear more and more people talking about the pride they have in our country.” He called that “a direct result of the leadership you have provided as commander in chief.”

Said Carlucci: “We will all miss you. Today our military stands taller.”

Seemed on Verge of Tears

Reagan, who was presented with the Department of Defense Distinguished Public Service Medal and an embroidered flag, at times seemed on the verge of tears, blinking several times when a band played “Auld Lang Syne.”

Speaking softly and with emotion, the President agreed with his military admirers that America’s defenses are strong, adding that “she stands proud and tall in the sight of the world.”

He asserted that “the luster has been restored to the reputation of our fighting forces after a time during which it was shamefully fashionable to deride and even condemn service such as yours. Those days will never come again.”

The crowd erupted in applause, with many rising to their feet while a squad of Marines in full camouflage gear stood motionless at parade rest under the wing of a B-1B bomber.

As he did in his televised farewell speech to the nation Wednesday night, Reagan gave more credit than he took for his Administration’s achievements.

“You have made yourselves a shining example of how men and women confine within themselves qualities of self-sacrifice, bravery, camaraderie and true courage,” Reagan told the military audience. “These are many of the noblest virtues to which humankind can aspire. They are martial virtues.”

The ceremony had been designed to honor not only Reagan but his wife, Nancy. However, Reagan said, she was ill “and has no voice.” He said that she had “tried to get up and get here, and I sent her back to bed.”

Near the end of his speech, Reagan called for a moment of silence in memory of the 595 military people who have died on duty during the last eight years. “They volunteered,” Reagan said. “They chose to serve. They gave their lives. They are our heroes.”