Tens of thousands bid farewell to Reagan

The flood of people overwhelmed staff at Reagan's presidential library, which had stayed open throughout the night to allow the snaking lines of admirers to bid farewell to the 1980s "Cold War Warrior."

More than 80,000 passed the coffin after viewing hours were extended by four hours when the line grew to 1.6 kilometers (one mile) ahead of the start of a three-day series of state funeral events in Washington.

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Some well-wishers endured sleepless 12-hour journeys from their homes to the coffin to carry out their often tearful pilgrimage to the charismatic leader.

Reagan's widow, Nancy, was deeply moved by the mass mobilisation and flood of affection for her husband of 52 years, who died Saturday aged 93 after a 10-year battle with Alzheimer's disease.

"It's unbelievable what I'm seeing on television," she said in a statement issued by Reagan's office. "The outpouring of love for my husband is truly amazing."

Among the army of mourners paying silent tribute to the former Republican president's flag-draped coffin was Democratic presidential hopeful John Kerry.

Kerry, who has suspended electoral campaigning this week out of respect for Reagan, stood before the casket, appeared to say a prayer in the silent room, crossed himself and then left quietly.

Hollywood movie stars Bo Derek, who starred in the 1979 movie "10," and Morgan Fairchild also joined the crowds to pay their last respects to Reagan, who was a matinee idol before launching his political career.

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, a Democrat, also visited the library, while California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who, like Reagan, was a Hollywood star before becoming governor, paid tribute on Monday.