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.

[defconw]

I can't decide which is more poignant, the 4 Ford children walking up the steps, the old men gathered at the bottom or his grandchildren and great grandchildren waiting for him in the wind.

[Mo1]

don't know if anyone has mentioned that yesterday, Susan and her brother, Michael, stood for hours to shake the hand and "thank" each mourner who came by to pay respects to their father.

Jack and his wife did the same thing on Sunday

I thought that was very nice of them to do that .. The Ford's are good and decent folks

[Miss Marple]

I am so glad that Brit Hume is anchoring Fox's coverage.

[1rudeboy]

I think our Republic is surviving.

[GreenLanternCorps]

That's a good idea!

[defconw]

Yes he is the one to do it. I always liked the Ford's good solid Americans. The kids have always been classy. The knowledge gathered at the bottom of those steps.......... Cheney, Rumsfeld, Baker, Dole. Wow!

[Right_in_Virginia]

The knowledge gathered at the bottom of those steps.......... Cheney, Rumsfeld, Baker, Dole. Wow!

I think they're all honorary pallbearers.

[Rte66]

Glad you posted that - I wanted to mention it, too. Such a remarkable and outstanding gesture.

[David Isaac]

Ford was indeed a cut above the character of many past presidents. But he was a moderate and was antagonistic toward the conservative side of the GOP, where my sympathies lie.

I, too was a History minor, as well as Political Science. I have found zero revisionism that would favor the conservatives, who do not seem to be in charge of that department.

Congratulations on your upcoming marriage. My next anniversery will be 30. May you have as many and more.

[defconw]

I believe you are right. What history those men can tell us. I love history. I hate seeing Ford buried, but time Marches on.

[jospehm20]

That is because he was the "acceptable" choice for the Democrats in Congress who had to confirm him after they got rid of Agnew. I believe the Rats controlled both houses at that time and wanted to be sure they had an acceptable to them guy in as VP before they got rid of Nixon. I am sure he was a nice guy and all, but if he was acceptable to the Rats he was probably not good for the country and his beliefs were not conservative.

[Mo1]

Thanks for the idea

Michael Ford looks wiped

I heard he was with this father when he died and administer last rites to his father (he's a Minister)

[Right_in_Virginia]

I was just thinking that Susan looked pretty wiped.

[Right_in_Virginia]

I pray Betty makes it through this long day.

[Miss Marple]

I think Susan was always close to her father. As the only daughter, I think that is quite likely.

[Txsleuth]

Thanks for the thread and the ping...

[Mo1]

Close up of Steve holding back tears

[Right_in_Virginia]

Seeing the kids react so emotionally is really touching my heart.

[Miss Marple]

Oh my, a shot of one of the Ford sons holding back tears while "Hail to the Chief" played and the guns fired.

True grief for a beloved man.

[Mo1]

They sure loved their father