March 10--All afternoon and evening, visitors arrived at the Reagan Presidential Library. They boarded shuttle buses and waited in line for their chance to pay their respects to the late Nancy Reagan.
The first day of public viewing of the former first lady lying in repose brought 3,115 people to the library Wednesday, and a second day of viewing will take place Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
On Wednesday, the numbers of people arriving grew larger as the sun set. Some came in their work clothes, others in jeans and shorts.
David Whalen, 50, wore his Bernie Sanders T-shirt. He said he wanted to pay his respects but also wanted to be seen -- because he's hoping his pick for president still has a chance.
Visitors were quiet as they filed by Nancy Reagan's casket, which was piled high with roses and peonies -- her favorite flower. Some blew kisses. Here and there, people went down on their knees to pray for her.
Visitors were asked not to take photos at the casket or in the courtyard outside. But afterwards, as they stood waiting for shuttle buses to take them back to their cars, many posed in front of two long banners of Nancy Reagan's official White House portrait -- in which the former first lady wears a floor-length gown in her favorite color, red.
Gregory Harris, 43, of Encino brought his three daughters, all named after presidents. Kennedy is 17. Reagan is 11. Madison is 8.
He and his wife, he said, wanted to give them "some strong names that gave them self esteem. You can't be weak with a name like Kennedy or Reagan. You've got to be tough."
Harris said he thought it was important for his girls
"I don't want them to see stuff on the news that just goes over their heads. I want them to really understand the importance of certain events like this -- and I hope this is more significant for them because they are actually experiencing it."
When the girls were asked what they knew about Nancy Reagan, Kennedy jumped in. "I hear she was very magnificent," she said.
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