Remembering President Ford

This past week has been a very moving, very emotional week for the Greater Grand Rapids Community. I feel very fortunate that I have been able to play a role, albeit a small one, in the events of the past week. I have been a spectator for his body in repose, to sign the guest book, to see his funeral procession two times and to see the 21 plane tribute. In addition, I also played a small role in the preparations for his funeral, assuring that everything looked it’s best for his homecoming. All of these events were emotional and moving, but I must say, the flyover was one of the most moving events of the week, and certainly the most spectacular.

The out poring of warm feeling towards President Ford, at one timed named one of the nations villains was expected and unexpected. There has been no President other than Ford that represented Michigan and many have argued this week that there is no one else that demonstrated Midwest values quite as well as Ford did. He was understated, humble and deeply religious. He had no desire to lead the nation but was thrust into his position through the criminal acts of both Nixon and Agnew, having the position wind up in his lap. One measure of a man and his accomplishment is what he does in the face of circumstances that are not of his choosing. When Ford was asked to lead, he led. He was thrust into this position, at one of the most tumultuous times that our nation has faced. The act of pardoning Nixon was viewed as evil by most of the nation at the time it occured, but has since been, at least somewhat, validated by public opinion, a decision that now more than half of the nation views as a correct one. This decision effectively put an end to the controversy and allowed the nation to move on, to heal. This decision also cost Ford pretty much any chance at winning the Presidency in 1976, allowing him to move back into relative annonimity, enjoying the remainder of his years with Betty. The grace and humility that Ford approached the office of the Presidency with was never forgotten by the citizens of Grand Rapids. The amazing mass of people that fled downtown to view his body, to catch a glimpse of his procession and to sign his guest book was a demonstration of the love that we held for our own President, our native son.

Welcome Home President Ford, your contributions to the country and our community will never be forgotten.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYc_cX_FIEs

(a pretty good video of the flyover)