Gerald and Betty Ford

I have only had one opportunity to see a United States President in person, and that was President and Mrs. Ford – sort of.

Back in the 1970s when I was in high school, our band had the opportunity to see the Presidential motorcade during the Holland, Michigan Tullip Festival. Our band marched in the parade and when it was over, we got out of our out band uniforms and had the opportunity to walk around the city and stand on the parade route.

At the time, Mr. Pete was a 6 foot, 170 pound young man with no facial hair, but beautiful long flowing blondish brown hair which he wore loose with a head band around his forehead. We were standing together when a gentleman came up and asked us how we were. This guy then identified himself as Secret Service and pulled us over to the side to ask for some ID. We were both a little scared, but he looked at Mr. Pete’s ID, (I don’t think he asked for mine)asked us some questions and then seemed satisfied that we were just high school band geeks! We got back to the parade just in time to see the President and Mrs. Ford turn the corner and disappear from view. That was it!

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I was struck by something my sister said yesterday. Mrs. Ford is 88 years old. Despite her age and grief she is handling herself in a dignified, lady like manner that youngsters like Paris Hilton and Britney Spears could learn much from. She immaculately groomed and classic. Her appearance is admirable and at the same time it doesn’t scream LOOK AT ME and honors the memory of her husband. She’s a true lady.

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I made my kids watch part of the ceremony at Andrews Air Force base. I think it is good for them to see the importance of ceremony and patriotism. While we were watching I mentioned that President Ford had a daughter, Susan who was “about my age.” Noah age 8 said, “Which age mom? You’ve been a lot of them!”

mouth of babes and all of that.
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I wish I could find a better picture of Mrs. Ford but for now this will do. God Bless and comfort her.

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