Live Thread - President Ford's Body Leaving Capitol for Final Time

FNC ^ | January 02, 2007 | AP

[Mo1]

WASHINGTON — Gerald R. Ford leaves his beloved U.S. Capitol for the last time Tuesday as the period set aside for ordinary Americans to say goodbye gives way to an elaborate invitation-only funeral at the awe-inspiring Washington National Cathedral.

As the first order of business Tuesday, Ford's remains were being removed from the Rotunda to lie in repose briefly outside the Senate before leaving the Capitol where Ford served as a congressman for 25 years. As vice president, Ford also had the constitutional title of president of the Senate.

Watch streaming live video at 9:15 a.m. ET on FOXNews.com.

[A Citizen Reporter]

"How come promoting gay marriage isn't divisive?"

And it's not just promoting gay marriage, it's allowing that issue and the political problems within the church to drown out the entire purpose for which people attend church in the first place. Homilies which take the words of Paul, and twist them to fit the political agenda of the day.

I left the Episcopal church when the sermons in my local church were about that "divisive issue", instead of the Word of God.

[Miss Marple]

Boy, do I understand. It's a shame, too, because the Book of Common Prayer is probably one of the most beautiful works of Christendom.

I considered Episcopal, but right about the time I left the Methodists the Episcopalians went off the deep end, so I went on to Rome.

[Dolphy]

I stood along the motorcade route both to and from the church and then moved towards the museum to wait for the flyover. I can't tell you how many planes there were, I was too overcome by the majesty. As soon as the first group came upon us we realized that we were directly under the flight path, including the moment the one left the formation for the heavens. I really don't have any words to describe the beauty, the amazing strength and tenderness of that moment.

There are many bridges that cross the river next to the Ford Museum. We were below, at the river's edge but of the 4 we could see they were all packed with people. So, I understand, were the motorcade routes.

I didn't know how many here in Grand Rapids would remember a man who left so many years ago but I got my answer these last 2 days. They remembered him with a love and pride that inspired thousands and thousands to line motorcade routes, sign condolence books and stand in line to pay their last respects. I feel blessed to have taken advantage of every opportunity to express my affection for the man.

[onyx]

Oh, (((( Dolphy )))) --- that's wonderful to hear. I am so happy for you and for us because we have you telling us about your experience.

Did you have the opportunity to sign his guestbook?

[tina07]

just takin' a guess

[sissyjane]

Susan had a very hard time all day today...heartbreaking to watch. Especially when they were at the burial site. she leaned her head on her Mother's shoulder. I'm still sniffeling.

[sissyjane]

Bless you. You represented many of us. Thank you for the description.

[EDINVA]

now THAT is funny !

[daisyscarlett]

Thanks for the report Dolphy. I read "somewhere" that they expected 10,000 people along the route and 60,000 showed up. And congrats to you for being one of them.

Dog, as for the flyover, according to this article there were 21 planes...21 PLANE FLYOVER FOR FORD

I read "somewhere" that a flyover and missing man formation can have any number of planes...there is a protocol for when the plane goes missing depending on the number of planes used.

I think today there were 4 groups of 4 and one group of 5.

[daisyscarlett]

Betty is stronger than the kids. Someone mentioned the other day that she was riding to the church in Palm Desert and she told one of the boys to "buck up, we have a lot to do"

I think she had similar words for Steve today...he seemed none too pleased when she ditched her wheelchair and walked the final way. He looked like he was pleading with her to take the wheelchair but she said a few words and that was that.

[EDINVA]

Hillary didn't attend one of Gore's daughter's wedding while they were all in office? How tacky! And I am so shocked. On the other hand, it probably delighted Tipper.

[CedarDave]

That screen capture looks as if it is a painting. Beautiful and poignant.

[daisyscarlett]

Yes it is. I cannot take credit, however...it is a repost from #1556 posted by West Coast Gal.

[merry10]

In June 2004, I lived close to Simi Valley and was amazed at the lines of cars and people who wanted to pay respects to Reagan for the last time.

The Californians stood out in temps that don't really hover below 50% in June. But the people in Grand Rapids stood out there in the cold for President Ford. That was so nice to see.

[Dolphy]

Yes, I was able to sign the guest book :)

[onyx]

FABULOUS! I pictured you signing his guestbook!

[maica]

Amazing but true (Brit did not misspeak) LOL!:

http://www.newsargus.com/news/archives/2007/01/03/seymour_johnson_afb_jets_fly_over_gerald_fords_funeral/index.shtml

Seymour Johnson AFB jets fly over Gerald Ford's funeral

Fourth Fighter Wing Commander Col. Steve Kwast will get the chance to lead from the air today, as he is expected to fly the first single-ship over former President Gerald Ford's funeral this afternoon in Grand Rapids, Mich.

F-15E Strike Eagles and KC-135 Stratotankers from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base were expected to take off shortly after lunch to arrive near Ford's presidential museum in time to honor the late commander in chief, officials said.

Once they arrive, the tribute begins.

First, 21 4th Fighter Wing jets will conduct the flyover with a combination of passes from South to North along the Grand River. Then, Kwast and 4th Operations Group Commander Col. Eric Nelson will lead five 4-ship configurations over the museum.

The final group of jets will execute the missing-man formation -- the third jet pulling away from the others to symbolize and honor the passing of America's 38th president.

Kwast said he and the other airmen involved in this "humbling mission" are proud to take their home city and county to the sky with them.

"As we fly the F-15E Strike Eagles over the presidential museum in (Ford's) honor, we'll carry the pride of Seymour Johnson, Wayne County and the state of North Carolina with us," he said. "The aircrew and maintainers of the 4th Fighter Wing and 916th Air Refueling Wing who represent "Team Seymour" are very proud to be a part of this memorial."

By Kenneth Fine
Published in News on January 3, 2007 02:04 PM

[Churchillspirit]

I feel so sorry for the piper.

Impossible to keep the pipes in tune when standing out in the cold for so long without being able to tune them at all.

The only part of the entire six days of ceremony that was not perfect.

[Miss Marple]

Dog and Brit were right! They DID do a 21 plane flyover!!! Dang! I wish we had known and that the pictures had shown it.

I have never heard of this before! Amazing!

[Miss Marple]

Dog and Brit were right. They did, indeed, do a 21-plane flyover! See article above!