Thousands To Flock to DC To Confirm And Celebrate That Ronald Reagan Is Finally Dead

Reagan Viewing to Continue in Washington D.C.

Ronald Reagan's casket will travel from California to Washington D.C. Wednesday.
http://cbs5.com/news/local/2004/06/08/Reagan_Viewing_to_Continue_in_Washington_D%2EC%2E.html

Federal and local officials ramped up precautionary measures in preparation for three days of memorial observances for former president Ronald Reagan, granting employees additional leave today in hopes of avoiding major traffic and security problems.

Federal employees will be allowed to take unscheduled leave today, meaning the time off does not need prior approval. Most D.C. government employees may request liberal leave beginning at 2 p.m.

The impetus for the moves, officials said, was word that police plan to close Constitution Avenue and all cross streets between 23rd Street NW and the U.S. Capitol from 3 to 9 p.m. The closings also will affect the 12th and Ninth Street tunnels, officials said.

Reagan's coffin is due at Andrews Air Force Base at 5 p.m. today and will reach the Capitol two hours later, officials said. Public viewing will begin at 9 p.m. and last until 7 a.m. Friday.

"It's like putting a giant canal through the city," Tony Bullock, spokesman for D.C. Mayor Anthony A. Williams (D), said of the street closings. "If you are on one side, you'll have a hell of a time getting to the other side. Getting them out earlier in the day could make a big difference."

Williams also announced that D.C. government offices and public schools will be closed Friday, along with federal offices.

Also yesterday, final preparations were underway for Reagan's state funeral

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A26186-2004Jun8.html