Nancy Reagan remembered

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. (AP) – Mourners at Nancy Reagan’s funeral  heard prayers, music and reminiscences of the former first lady.

A diverse group of guests is attending Friday’s funeral at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.

Among mourners are former President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura, as well as first lady Michelle Obama. Also present are presidential candidate and former first lady Hillary Clinton and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Former Reagan administration official James Baker has recounted the first meeting of then-Nancy Davis and Ronald Reagan, and later her devastation when her husband was wounded in an assassination attempt.

Veteran television journalists Diane Sawyer and Tom Brokaw also have given recollections of Nancy Reagan.

Previously…

BISMARCK, ND – Gov. Jack Dalrymple has  directed state government agencies and encouraged North Dakotans to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday, March 11, 2016 as a mark of respect for former First Lady Nancy Reagan.

Mrs. Reagan passed away Sunday at her home in California. The flags will be lowered on the day of her funeral.

Dalrymple issued the following statement earlier this week:

“Betsy and I join our fellow North Dakotans in mourning the loss of a great American and one of our country’s most influential first ladies, Nancy Reagan. As first lady, she represented this nation with strength, class and dignity, and was admired around the world. She proved to be a vital partner and ardent supporter for President Ronald Reagan during his presidency, and later, throughout his battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Mrs. Reagan’s inspiration and accomplishments will leave a lasting impact on this country for generations.”