The National Council of Boy Scouts of America pays Tribute to President Gerald R. Ford

BSA National Council & the Gerald R. Ford Council | 12.26.06

[Coleus]

IN MEMORIAM Gerald R. Ford 38th President of the United States July 14, 1913 - December 26, 2006

The Boy Scouts of America joins the Ford family and our country in mourning the loss of President Gerald R. Ford. His presidential term coincided with a very difficult time in American history, but he served with grace and dignity. President Ford achieved Eagle Scout, Scouting's highest rank, which is accomplished by only about 4 percent of all Boy Scouts. By dedicating himself to serving the youth and families of his country throughout his life, he left each of us with a shining example of duty, honor, and character.

From the  Gerald R. Ford Council, Grand Rapids Michigan

Gerald R. Ford

1913 -2006

As of 12:00 pm, December 29, 2006, we have met our quota of Eagle Scouts that will be involved with lining of Pearl Street for Tuesday January 2, 2007. You can still line the streets with general public, but not with the Eagle Scouts on Pearl Street. This decision has been made by those involved with the funeral planning. Thank you for your support.  Judge Hugh W. Brenneman, Jr., Council President said of President Ford, "President Gerald R. Ford was sometimes referred to in his public life as a Boy Scout. I believe that was high praise for both the man and the Scouts. President Ford treasured his days as a Boy Scout. He was the first Eagle Scout to become a President of the United States. More importantly, his life was a living definition of what an Eagle Scout should be. The term Eagle Scout and the name of President Gerald R. Ford will be forever synonymous."

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Council Board member Dick DeVos said, on hearing of the death of the President, ”President Ford lived by the Boy Scout Oath that calls on a Scout to do his best to do his duty to God and country. He was among this nation’s most upstanding citizens, leading our democracy through one of its most trying times while helping to heal America.  As a former Boy Scout and friend of President Ford’s, I saw him live the values of Scouting, always doing his best, always keeping his moral compass pointed north.  It made him a strong leader, a positive role model for young people all across this country, and while we celebrate his life we are saddened to have lost his company here on earth

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Michael D. Sulgrove, Scout Executive of the Gerald R. Ford Council, Boy Scouts of America, remarked “President Gerald R. Ford never forgot his Boy Scout Oath and Law! I believe, in fact, that it was this Oath and Law that guided his daily actions and thinking as our nation’s leader. President Ford was often “blamed” for being too much of a Boy Scout --- a fact to which he quickly retorted by saying “more people need to act like Boy Scouts.” Our Council will forever be named in honor of this great leader. In our nation’s darkest hour of doubt and fear in the office of our President --- it was an Eagle Scout who renewed our faith!”

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There has been a great deal of media shared information out as it relates to our Council’s participation in the funeral for President Ford. This note is to bring you up on our currently known specifics. Please click this link for details. More information follows for Eagle Scouts and Scouts.

The Gerald R. Ford Council is looking for Eagle Scouts who would like to participate in the Eagle Scout Guard, that will line Pearl Street as the funeral procession returns to the museum for repose. Eagle Scouts need to be in FULL UNIFORM (Shirt, pants, socks, belt, Council Shoulder Patch, OA Sash--if member, and Takachsin beads--if member) and need to call Matt Adams at 616-785-2662 to leave your name and phone number.

Please click this link for a letter to Eagle Scouts wishing to participate. This is for Eagle Scouts only.

Attention Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, Venturer Crews, Explorer Posts and Learning for Life Groups. Click here to read how you as a unit or an indiviual Scout may pay tribute to President Ford the day of the funeral--Wednesday, January 3, 2007

For details of President Ford's Funeral click on the following links:

Wood TV 8 -NBC     WZZM 13 News- ABC    Fox 17 - WXMI   WWMT - CBS

MLive-Local newspaper (Grand Rapids Press)

[Don'tMessWithTexas]

Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates the new SecDef and former CIA Director are both Eagle Scouts.

[Coleus]

at least in this District we will make it a point to recognize him at Roundtable >>>

we will do the same by lighting a candle and keep it burning throughout the meeting and have a moment of silence. Our RT Commissioner is a Democrat. Since he is an eagle as well as the president he will honor President Ford. Many of the councils are PC and don't want to rock the boat.

[La Enchiladita]

"I wish we had more politicians that were trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent."

Bumping THAT!