Presidential Honors

The body of Gerald R. Ford arrived in Washington, DC for the start of funeral rites this evening. A long procession of vehicles escorted him to the Capitol building.

The journey of the president's body, from its arrival at Andrews Air Force Base at about 5:30 p.m. to its installment beneath the Capitol rotunda about two hours later, took place in the early evening darkness that was broken by floodlights, illuminated fountains, and simple holiday decorations.

It was attended by modest but somber crowds that lined the avenues of Alexandria, where the former president once lived, and which gathered in silence as his hearse, and the limousine bearing his wife, Betty, 88, paused beside the flickering fountains of the World War II Memorial.

The cortege, about 40 vehicles in length, then moved slowly along the broad and empty expanse of Constitution Avenue toward the gleaming dome of the Capitol, bright against the night sky. There the casket bearing Ford's body was carried up the steps to the grand columned east entrance to the House of Representatives.

The casket was placed on the same bier as the one used for Abraham Lincoln 141 years ago, and for Ronald Reagan 2 1/2 years ago.

The Washington Post has a number of articles posted at their website about various aspects of the funeral rites and schedule of events. A subdued and somber occasion. Rest in peace.