Gerald Ford, 38th POTUS – Dead at 93
My first president (being born in ’75), died on Tuesday. Albeit he took over in a time of crisis, both during a war and the defiling of an office, he rose above his station and led the country forward. I’m sure there will be a number of obits regarding his life over the next few days, but somebody who wasn’t necessarily remembered as “great” during his term, should be remembered fondly today. Someone so connected to this city, someone who changed this city so much.
I’d wondered on my way to the office why the Airline Pilot’s Association were flying their flags at half-mast. The only person I could think of would have been James Brown, and while I think highly of the godfather of soul – as a music-maker if not as a husband – I didn’t think they’d lower the flags for him.
Does it make me a bad person that my first reaction upon hearing this was, “He was still alive?”
Hey welcome aboard David!
Ford was my first president too. I have very vague memories of watching a speech of his on TV as a very small kid. Then again, I could just be mixing it up with Chevy Chase imitating him on SNL. Either way, it felt very strange seeing the headlines today.