Tonight I had the privilege of spending the long hours with 20,000 new friends. We do not know each other by name and will not remember each other tomorrow. But we have a lot in common. We come to pay respect to Greatness. In the history of man, this opportunity is given on rare occasions. In the history of our individual lives it may only happen once. I wanted to tell my grandchildren that I was there. I stood in the presence of Greatness.

I arrived at 1:30 in the morning; wrongly assuming there would be fewer friends making the trip at this ghastly hour. The moon was just over the top of the lighted dome. It was hot and humid with sporadic wisps of wind making us hope against hope that God had seen our plight and sent a breeze to cool the masses. Surely the serpentine lanes we must wander were placed here by someone with a mind as twisted as these temporary corridors.

My wife and daughter questioned my sanity. They wondered why I would stand for hours, dripping with perspiration, while huddled with friends I had not yet met, only to enter a room for a few moments to view its contents. My answer was simple and quick. I told them I wanted to be in the presence of Greatness even if only for a moment. We all have a desire for this. It was placed deep within our hearts by our Creator. We desire to live a life that matters; to know the world is better because we lived. Somehow my family understood.

It is common in crowds for the participants to be loud and boisterous. There will usually be the obscene words and logos – just to make a political statement or to challenge the status quo. It is unusual to not overhear vulgarity from those around you. Before the event is over there will be a fight, a slur of speech, a condemnation based on race, creed, or ethnicity, and the evening is ruined.

But, this night is different. We are all fellow travelers moving as drones for one common purpose, we want to be in the presence of Greatness. And we instinctively know that tonight is our chance to accomplish this. On this night, after spending hours in the mundane, we will be able to tell our children’s children that we were there. In a hushed moment, we experienced what only a few people will ever see.

I looked around and gave close scrutiny to the 20,000 fellow seekers. There were many who came in wheelchairs or walked with the help of crutches. Several were missing vital parts of their bodies. As I saw the scars, it was not difficult to imagine the story of their loss while serving under the hand of someone of importance. I looked all night and did not see one inappropriate logo. However, I did view many who stood in suit and tie; ladies in high heels and fancy dress; Eagle Scouts and many military of all ranks adjusting their uniforms to make sure they were presentable to their leader; and a seeming sea of red white and blue. Some were dressed as if they were meeting the President. Others were casual as if meeting a close friend. There were the very young and the aged. It appeared there was a mixture of culture and common; educated and illiterate; rich and poor; influential and follower - the mighty and the mundane are all standing together admitting they too are seeking a moment in the presence of something more.

I have been told that what makes this moment so important is I will be in the presence of uncommon influence. This is a power by which history will determine a new standard of comparison. It is the opinion of the informed that the world is literally different today because of the impact this leader had during his moment in the light of human existence. Stories are told of the common humor that put others at ease. Friends relate how a constant assurance of his calling and Providence made it possible for this influence to be wielded for the benefit of others. Those who came to him were always made to feel as an equal. But, when leaving, they instinctively knew they were not. This leader lived by a core belief that made it impossible to lead otherwise. He endeavored to bring hope to the hopeless and courage to the fallen.

I am told that the uniqueness of this man is found in his humble dependence on God. He had so dedicated his life that he left the world different; better. By now, he has heard God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” I too want to hear my God say that to me. I guess this is why I spend time with so many others as we wait for our moment with him. I assume I will be different. I pray that in some manner Greatness will go with me as I leave tonight.

I ascend the stairs and enter the room. Before me are the great walls where history has literally been written. These walls have heard the voices of the great and mighty. But tonight, they are silent in his presence. This building is part of the physical structure that has made my world like it is. There are evidences of a nation who held God in high esteem. As a result, the Creator has given us a few great men to help us become all He has called us to be. I now can see the flag draped in sadness. The simplicity of the colors and field of stars makes me instantly feel at home. In the presence of this great man, I am at ease and I silently move through the dome.

I am honored and I am humbled. I realize that both he and I are of equal birth and potential. I instinctively know that I have the same opportunity to live a great life as he had. The issue that determines hearing my God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” will be my choices. Can I choose to live by a core set of beliefs – allowing them to guide me in every decision I make? Will I see the humor in myself and others as we journey together? Will I learn to laugh at myself and with others? Do I choose to assure others they are of great importance to me and that I feel honored to be in their presence? Will I live a life for God and place others first?

I am not sure. But I exit this building tonight with a renewed energy to make my life count. I have dedicated myself to leave my world a better place because I have lived; to so elevate God and my dependence on Him that others will know a greater Power lived through me. May God increase and may I be found as one of the obedient to God’s call to greatness. God help me to never shrink from your Providence and journey set for me.

Thank you President Reagan, for my moment with greatness.

Ron Sears