2004 Media Releases

Annoucement of the death of former President Ronald Reagan

The United States mourns the passing of its 40th President, Ronald Wilson Reagan, who passed away in California on June 5, 2004. President Reagan was the President of the United States from 1981 to 1989. During his presidency, America laid to rest an era of division and self-doubt. And because of his leadership, the world laid to rest an era of fear and tyranny. As President Bush said, "in laying our leader to rest, we say thank you."

As the United States mourns the death of its 40th president, the American Embassy in Suva will open a condolence book for signature by the public at the American Embassy at 31 Loftus Street, Suva. The book will be open from 10.00am - 12.00pm, Tuesday, 8 June through Thursday, 10 June. Those wishing to sign the condolence book may do so at the American Embassy.

As a mark of respect, the American flag at the U.S. Embassy in Suva is flying at half-staff for the thirty days from the date of President Reagan's death.

President Bush has declared Friday, 11 June 2004 a National Day of Mourning and closed the U.S. Government for that day. The United States Embassy will also be closed for business. However, the Embassy's Consular Section will open that morning long enough to honor all appointments and commitments, such as for visa interviews, that have already been scheduled. On that day, it can only handle previously-made appointments and, as always, American citizens facing urgent emergency situations. The Embassy will reopen for normal business on Tuesday, June 15.