Overcast skies didn’t dampen memories of Ronald Reagan — and this year, in particular, of his wife, Nancy — during the celebration of what would have been his 106th birthday Monday at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.

That’s where more than 600 people watched a wreath-laying ceremony at the former president’s grave and listened under a large tent as memories of the nation’s 40th president flowed.

Those remembrances came in speeches by a general and a journalist, both of whom remembered Reagan as a graceful leader who could staunchly defend democracy and inspire patriotism but who could get beyond political barriers to find common ground.

“Through his leadership, President Reagan brought pride back to our military, believing that military service in the armed forces of the United States is a profound service to all human kind,” said Brig. Gen. Kevin Killea, commanding general at Camp Pendleton Marine Base.

President Donald Trump designated the wreath be laid on his behalf, a ceremony that also included a color guard, a 21-gun salute and remarks by Killea and Sam Donaldson, the former ABC News White House reporter who covered Reagan during his eight years as president in the 1980s.

Members of the Reagan family attended, including Reagan’s son Michael and his family. Also attending were elected officials and, along with Killea, other personnel from Camp Pendleton, which has been helping to present the ceremony at the library for 13 years.

Killea, who came of age in the Marines when Reagan led the nation, remembered a leader who expanded the military budget, allowing for innovation and pride in the U.S. armed forces.

Reagan instilled a sense that “democracy is worth dying for, because it is the most deeply honorable form of government devised by man,” the general said.

Nancy Reagan, who died last year and was buried next to her husband at the Simi Valley presidential library, was also remembered Monday as the crowd offered applause for her part in the Reagan legacy.

That legacy included two defining moments for the former president, Donaldson said:

When he fired striking air traffic controllers and the assassination attempt on his life.

“I soon discovered when something was truly important to him as the top guy, he focused on it,” Donaldson said. “He knew what was going on. And he was not hesitant to make decisions.”

From air traffic controllers to his speech on the bringing down of the Berlin Wall, Donaldson remembered Reagan’s humor and leadership style, where focusing on the “big picture” and finding “good people” to do the right jobs and letting them do it was at a premium.

Of course, there were the not-so-good times, such as the Iran-Contra affair, where Donaldson remembered a president who “stumbled” politically but who “stumbled for the right reasons.”

“In my view he was a Hollywood original,” Donaldson said, who added that Reagan was an optimist.

He inspired others to have confidence in America and in a great “shining city on a hill,” where people lived in harmony and the “doors were open” to anyone with the will and heart to come here.

In a time of division in the United States, Donaldson said that optimism was notable.

“I hope we can see to it that that vision — his vision — continues to describe America,” Donaldson said.