Nation to Pay President Ford Highest Tribute

Gerald R. Ford will be mourned in a rare and solemn state funeral crafted to honor his reverence for Congress, the institution that launched him to the presidency.

Ceremonies begin Friday in a California church, and end five days later with Ford’s entombment on a hillside near his Grand Rapids, Mich., presidential museum.

In between, Ford’s body will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda, offering dignitaries and the public a chance to pay final respects to the former Michigan congressman who rose to the White House in the collapse of Richard Nixon’s presidency. In a departure from tradition meant to highlight his long congressional service, Ford’s remains also will lie in repose outside the doors of the House and the Senate for short periods.

The Capitol will admit the public so people can pay their respects Saturday evening — sometime after a 6:30 p.m. arrival ceremony — and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday and Monday.

Events begin at St. Margaret’s Church in Palm Desert, which Ford and his wife, Betty, frequently attended. A family prayer service will be after a visitation by friends and a period of public repose…

On Saturday, Ford’s body was flown to Washington late in the afternoon, his hearse pausing at the World War II memorial in joint tribute to the wartime Navy reserve veteran and his comrades in uniform.

The state funeral will be conducted in the Capitol Rotunda that evening, and after that the public will be able to file in to pay last respects. Ford was expected to lie in state until Tuesday morning, in a closed casket.

The last major event in Washington will be Tuesday morning, with a funeral service at the National Cathedral before Ford’s interment the next day in Michigan.