A Final Goodbye

President Bush helps former First Lady Nancy Reagan to her seat at the beginning of the funeral service for former President Reagan. The service was held at the Washington National Cathedral.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

The casket carrying former President Reagan is brought into the Washington National Cathedral at the beginning of the funeral service.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

The casket of former President Reagan is prepared for departure from the National Cathedral at the end of the funeral service. Hundreds of dignitaries attended the ceremony.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush sit among the former living Presidents and their wives, along with Vice President Dick Chaney, during the funeral service for former President Reagan held at the Washington National Cathedral.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

Former President George Bush gives a eulogy during the funeral service for former President Reagan at the Washington National Cathedral.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

At the funeral service for former President Ronald Reagan comes to an end, members of the Armed Forces attend to the casket before the departure. The funeral was held at the Washington National Cathedral.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

President George Bush speaks about former President Reagan during the service held at the Washington National Cathedral.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

President George Bush bows his head in honor of former President Reagan at the funeral service held at the Washington National Cathedral.  (Carolyn Cole / LAT)

Former Vice President Dan Quayle (second from left) watches from the top of the cathedral entrance as a military honor guard carries former President Ronald Reagan’s body in a flag-coverd casket to a waiting vehicle following funeral services at Washington National Cathedral in Washington D.C.  (Damon Winter / LAT)

Thousands line the route of the 101 Freeway to watch the motorcade carrying the remains of former President Reagan from Point Mugu naval base to the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / LAT)

Kelsi McCarter, 11, and her step-brother, Andrew Lonie, 11, of Moorpark, wave to the hearse carrying the body of former President Reagan as it makes its way along Olsen Road in Thousand Oaks on the way to the Reagan Presidential Library for burial.  (Mel Melcon / LAT)

The hearse carrying the body of Former President Ronald Reagan makes its way on Lynn Road in Thousand Oaks heading for the Reagan Presidential Library for funeral services.  (Anne Cusack / LAT)

Friends, colleagues and family gather for former President Ronald Reagan’s funeral service at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley on Friday.  (Bryan Chan / LAT)

As the sun sets in California, an Honor Guard carries the flag-draped casket of former President Ronald Reagan.  (Spencer Weiner / LAT)

Navy Capt. James Symonds presents the U.S. flag to former First Lady Nancy Reagan. The flag covered the casket of her husband, former President Reagan.  (Bryan Chan / LAT)

Nancy Reagan is comforted by son Ron Reagan, daughter Patti Davis and son Michael Reagan as they say their final farewell at the casket of former President Reagan.  (Bryan Chan / LAT)

Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher bows before the casket of former President Reagan at his burial site at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.  (Bryan Chan / LAT)