A Day in the Life of President Bush (photos): 1.2.07

yahoo.com, whitehouse.gov ^ | Tuesday January 2, 2007 | GretchenM

[GretchenM]

On this "National Day of Mourning throughout the United States," President and Mrs. Bush attended the funeral service for former President Gerald Ford at the National Episcopal Cathedral in DC today. President Bush was among those asked to eulogize (text and webcast at this link) his predecessor.

Henry Kissinger's eulogy was very informative about the international achievements of Ford's presidency. I've been looking for the text but haven't found it so far. If anyone does, please post it or link it on this Dose.

Goodbye, President Ford. Thank you
for your faith in Christ that helped bind
up and heal the wounds of this land
when we were riven and bleeding.

[maica]

The Clintoons were vacationing on the island of Anquilla - very exclusive! Looks like Bill forgot his sunscreen!

[princess leah]

I'll bet Barbara Bush begged Dorothy to come so she wouldn't get stuck sitting next to X42 like she already did for President Reagan's funeral! Even a President's mother shouldn't have to endure THAT!

[snugs]

I must admit I was thinking while the service was on if the same sort of speeches/eulogies are given on behalf of Clinton's life that those giving them will be spouting lies but unfortunately I see that happening.

The main problem I see that despite what people actually think the office of the President goes above personal feeling etc and the person has to be honoured for the office he held so in the case of Clinton I feel people will feel that they have to to say things that are less than truth in order to honour the Presidency.

I am not quite putting this very well I am sure that someone else can frame this better.

[pollyannaish]

Nobody does that job like Gaylen (I forgot the rest of his name) the man who escorted Mrs. Reagan. He was amazing.

Thanks for the excellent dose this evening Gretchen. And all the best in the New Year as well!

[Kimmers]

Do you know who escorted Mrs Regan? I felt he was wonderful, she seemed so dependent on him.

[GretchenM]

I had the impression at both the Reagan and Ford funerals that Slick was wondering what worthwhile encomiums his eulogizers might be able to dredge from the scant material he provided for eulogizers, in his pathetic life.

[hoosierpearl]

Good comment snugs. I can't remember the Carters being compassionate to others like W and Laura are. They didn't go meet with the troops, and there were men who were killed when he was president [the helicopters that went down on an attempted rescue mission].
The Carters are just aloof and above it all, not human and caring like the Bushes. They've always kept their distance.

Lynne Cheney did look really lonely and sad there.

[pollyannaish]

That's funny! Great minds...I was off looking up his name (and correct spelling I might add) while you posted that!

His name is Army Major General Galen Jackman.

I was very impressed by Jackman. He did an excellent job.

[GretchenM]

I don't recall his name but he held that post that Maj. Gen. Swan holds now, head of the military district in DC. He was wonderful to Mrs. Reagan, entirely solicitous for her, keeping in step with her instead of dragging her around. I could tell he was a comfort to her also.

[hoosierpearl]

It was a wonderful dose tonight Gretchen, you did a wonderful post on a very sad day. The Ford family impressed me with their sadness and togetherness, and caring for one another. And the kindness they showed to people who came to the viewing.

[ErnBatavia]

Protocol aside...the more natural place to hold a Clinton memorial would be where he'd most at home:

bonus - they can drag a dollar bill thru there for one final fundraiser.

[GretchenM]

You're welcome, pollyannaish. And to you!

[pollyannaish]

Wow! Beautiful graphic. Thanks!

[SevenofNine]

I think it one of US Miltary guards that escort important VIP


I think about changing my dead pool from Jimmy Carter to Bill Clinton seem ole Bill doesn't seem going last through 2007

[JockoManning]

EXCELLENT JOB.

Thank you,
jm

[Kimmers]

Maybe Mrs Bush could have put her purse on the seat next to her and claim she was saving the seat for someone.....

[hoosierpearl]

Usually the pallbearers coordinate what they will wear, when they can do it. Especially at a funeral that will be on television like this one, a former president. It shows respect for President Ford and his family. I bet if we really looked for pictures of James Baker we could find some of him in a dark coat.

[SevenofNine]

ROFL that funnyyyyy ROFL

Rack ittt

[pollyannaish]

Hey Seven...I saw your mobster post above. I LOVE it when these guys go all Chicago and the only thing better would be if they were also driving 40s style Capone cars and a good looking hat or two. LOL.

Seriously though, there is something very somber and heartfelt about a good quality black winter wool overcoat at a funeral. Respect is probably the best word for it.

[SuziQ]

Are you talking about Hillary? I believe she was brought up Methodist; maybe even high church. She's certainly NOT Catholic.