Live Thread: Funeral of President Gerald Ford (Arrival at the Capitol)

www.freerepublic.com | December 30, 2006

[Howlin]

The President's plane is arriving at Andrews Air Force Base at this moment.

[Right_in_Virginia]

Thanks ;-)

[tina07]

I hear ya, mine too.

[OldFriend]

Every president plans their own funeral while they are still in the White House.

Ford made these plans long before our beloved Ronald Reagan made his plans.

[dearolddad]

I don't like the peeping tom camera shot into Mrs. Ford's car.

I agree with you.

[OldFriend]

It is to honor the presidency. To honor our constitution.

Sorry you don't get that.

Feel free to watch boxing or cooking or whatever else you choose.

[tina07]

I was just discussing that with my husband and figured the WWII Memorial stop may have been added in since the Memorial is relatively new.

[Wild Irish Rogue]

" Tee hee, if a couric was live on cee bee ess "

Barbara Walters is doing the honors on ABC.

[Dolphy]

Yes, I think they revised the plans through the years. There was an article in the local paper (Grand Rapids) talking about plans for this area that were made in 2001.

[OldFriend]

Was channel surfing and actually heard Helen Thomas' voice. That was enough for me!

[NinoFan]

I took a several week vacation to DC about a year ago. If you haven't been there the past few years, I suggest a return visit. They've renovated the National Archives, completed the WWII memorial, and added a few new museums, as well as a new wing (reached by bus) to the Air and Space museum. I can't wait to go back again.

[MEG33]

It is indeed..When I was very young I did not appreciate the necessity for the "ceremonies of life and death"..Now I do.

[La Enchiladita]

AMEN to that, Meg!!

[tina07]

I checked and the Memorial opened April '04, a grand touch to his procession.

[onyx]

When I was very young I did not appreciate the necessity for the "ceremonies of life and death"..Now I do.

I always have, but whether strange or not, I really don't want a funeral for myself.

[La Enchiladita]

The Ford grandchildren standing so still and calm... a touching sight.

[Miss Didi]

It just irks me to no end that the nation is in mourning for a past president and he, past president, is off on a photo-op holiday with his so-called wife who wants to be the next president. Then when they do show up for the official funeral, they'll try to steal the show or snooze or something.

[Just A Nobody]

Kristinn has no thread...I'm just talking to him on the phone and reporting when able.

Maigrey - the salute was done on behalf of us all!

Sleuth - he says "welcome"

Photo ops were not good. A contingent of people pretty much blocked any view he had.

Local channel 7, WJLA was interviewing our military personnel. Kristinn said the folks in the crowd were thanking them for their service!

Everyone was quiet, the only thing you could hear were the cameras going off. It all sounds very respectful. He said, even the kids were quiet.

[STARWISE]

God love her, she's frail, but at 88 she looks wonderful.

I just love our tradition of sending a US General to look after their needs and escort the former First Ladies. It's so special.

[Right_in_Virginia]

Greats pics...I missed this.

Thanks.

[onyx]

Wow, Star! You're fabulous!