Friday, 05 January 2007
I can't claim to have any firsthand knowledge of Gerald R. Ford's time as a U.S. Representative, or of his service as our nation's 38th president. He had left the White House well before I was born. However, since his death a little more than a week ago, I've come to learn plenty about the unassuming man from Grand Rapids. I'm also of the belief that we've lost a great leader, one whose example future leaders would do well to follow, regardless of political party.
Many years ago, Ford and his wife, Betty, drafted funeral plans which included them being laid to rest permanently in Grand Rapids. On Christmas Eve, Christian and I passed by that fenced-off burial area while walking downtown, speaking in hypotheticals about what would happen if the former president died. Two days later, it was a reality.
While the rest of the nation mourned, we in west Michigan held back, waiting for our turn in the national spotlight. On Tuesday, as Ford's body arrived "home" for the last time, the city sprang to life, filling with Secret Service agents, thousands of mourners and the extended Ford family.
The media also descended upon our city, and that's where I come in. Thanks to my current position, I was fortunate enough to be able to be at the center of everything that was happening - sometimes literally - documenting history as the nation watched. At times, I felt inadequate to be put in such a position, to have such close access, with my limited knowledge of the Ford administration. But mostly, I just stood back and let the pomp and circumstance unfold, knowing this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the 57,000+ mourners who waited several hours in the cold to view the casket, to the stately military ceremonies at each arrival and departure of the casket, to the 21-gun salute prior to the burial, the two days really were indescribable (which, in my profession, is not such a good thing!). I am so humbled to have been a part of it.
You can find more of my photos of the days' events here.
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