Nation says farewell to former first lady

Former first lady Nancy Reagan passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 6, 2016 at the age of 94. On Monday, March 7, President Barack Obama ordered an official proclamation that the Flag of the United States of America be flown at half-mast until sunset on March 11 -- the day of Reagan's internment.

Nearly 1,000 guests attended the funeral proceedings including celebrities, former White House families, and current and retired United States representatives. They stood at attention as the current first lady, Michelle Obama, took her seat before Reagan was given a poignant send off. The funeral was held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, where the expanse of the Topatopa Mountains could be viewed for miles around.

The former first lady and actress was a big influence to her late husband Ronald Reagan, who spent eight years in the White House, from 1981 - 1989. James A. Backer III, who had been close to the Reagans while in office, paid tribute by speaking about how Nancy and Ronald had a love that was unmatched by any other, and how Nancy's love for her husband was devout.

"Without my mother's determination, my father Ronald Reagan likely wouldn't have been a president," said Ronald Reagan Jr. while he paid tribute to his late mother.

The service was 90 minutes long and focused on Nancy's love for her husband and her steely resolve. The former Prime Minister of Canada Brian Mulroney read a love letter to the crowd that Ronald Reagan wrote to his wife, "For there could be no life for me without you."

At the end of the service, a lone bagpiper played "Amazing Grace" while walking in front of Nancy Reagan's casket where she would be laid to rest beside her husband.

Click the play button below to listen to an exclusive soundbite from this historic event captured by The Corsair.