Commemorating President Gerald R. Ford, December 2006
Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille issued the following statement on December 29, 2006:
“Gerald R. Ford assumed the presidency under the most extraordinary and difficult circumstances and by his dignified example restored the confidence of the American people in their nation and their government. I know all Alexandrians join me in offering our condolences to Mrs. Ford and the Ford family.
“During most of his service in Washington, Gerald Ford lived in Alexandria’s Clover neighborhood with his family and participated actively in school and community affairs. His children attended Alexandria City Public Schools and excelled with the encouragement and example of their devoted parents.
“The City of Alexandria is honored that President Ford’s motorcade will carry his remains through Alexandria en route to the United States Capitol on Saturday. I invite all Alexandrians and our neighbors to join in paying their respects to President Ford along the motorcade route.
“In the near future, I will announce a process to recommend ways in which the City of Alexandria can permanently memorialize President Gerald R. Ford and his rich history as a resident of our City. May God bless President Ford.”
Do you have memories of the Fords in Alexandria? Please share your memories with the Alexandria Legacies oral history program. If you would like to be contacted about an oral history interview, please send an email message including your name, email and phone number, and a very brief note about your memories.
Oral History transcripts are posted on the Alexandria Legacies section of the Historic Alexandria website, and excerpts may be used in these pages commemorating President Ford.
Yes, I'd like to share my memories!
Motorcade Travels Through Alexandria
In honor of his years in Alexandria, President Ford’s funeral motorcade passed through Alexandria on December 30, as it traveled from Andrews Air Force Base en route to the U. S. Capitol. Hundreds of Alexandrians lined the streets to say farewell to one of their most famous residents, and to pay respects to the Ford family.
As the long motorcade proceeded northward on Washington Street, mourners were moved to see Mrs. Ford wave to the crowd. Some placed their hands over their hearts as the President’s hearse passed, and others gave a military salute. Some in the crowd applauded, but most stood in respectful silence.
