The Associated Press
SANTA FE — Gov. Bill Richardson joined the thousands of people who converged on the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California on Tuesday to pay their respects to the former president.
A somber Richardson briefly stood by the flag-draped casket.
Richardson declared Friday in New Mexico a day of remembrance honoring Reagan. All nonessential state offices will be closed that day.
Reagan died Saturday at 93 after nearly a decade with Alzheimer's disease. His body is to be flown to Washington for a ceremony Wednesday night in the Capitol Rotunda. The state funeral will be Friday at Washington National Cathedral.
The governor encouraged state employees to watch Friday's services.
"It is fitting and proper that New Mexicans be given an opportunity to take part in the national day of remembrance in memory of President Reagan, who brought back grace, strength and class to the American presidency and restored the nation's pride at a time when our collective spirits were low," he said.
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