Gerald Ford's multi-state funeral begins in California

Gerald R. Ford's flag-draped casket was set insides St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Palm Desert, California today. "Hail to the Chief" played as the coffin was removed from a hearse, then "O God Our Help in Ages Past" sounded as military pallbearers carried the coffin inside the church. A private family service was held, followed by a visitation for invited friends. Former Secretary of State George Shultz, former Rep. Jack Kemp and former California Gov. Pete Wilson were in attendance. After the service, Betty Ford left in a motorcade to return to her home in Rancho Mirage, while the closed casket was left on display, expected to draw thousands throughout the day.

On Tuesday, the major stock markets will be closed as part of a national day of mourning. Wall Street has done this since the 1885 burial of President Grant. In Grand Rapids, fighter jets will do a flyover with a "missing man" formation. The family had asked that the flyover be done in Grand Rapids, rather than the nation's capitol, because Ford had spent most of his childhood there, practiced law there and represented the area in Congress for 25 years. The U.S. Postal Service announced that there will be no regular mail deliveries or retail services at offices that day, out of respect for the former President. All other federal agencies will be closed that day as well.

In Grand Rapids, where funeral services will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, dignitaries are starting to RSVP for the funeral. One of the military pallbearers will be Donald Rumsfeld, who was Ford's Chief of Staff. Vice-President Dick Cheney will also be attending the service. Former President Jimmy Carter is said to "likely" be attending. British Ambassador Sir David Manning is expected to represent Great Britain at the funeral. Hungary, Thailand, Austria and Finland are also expected to send ambassadors as well. Germany, Portugal, Spain and Sweden will send embassy diplomats or staff. Max van der Stoel, who was the Dutch foreign minister during Ford's administration, will represent the Netherlands under the honorary title of minister of state. (source)

More funeral coverage throughout the coming days. Stay tuned for next week when your editor is hoping to spend time downtown on Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing back first-hand accounts and photographs of the ceremonies.