Trav's Thoughts

I just saw on the news that former President Gerald Ford has died at the age of 93. I must say that this news has shocked me. I wasn't aware that he had been ill. But I suppose that, at 93 years, I shouldn't be surprised.

Mr. Ford is unique in the history of the American Presidency because he is the only President not to be elected to his office. In December 1973, Mr. Ford was confirmed in the office of Vice President, replacing Spiro Angew, who was forced to resign after pleading no contest to income tax evasion charges. In August 1974, Mr. Ford was sworn in as President after Mr. Nixon was forced to resign or face impeachment after the Watergate scandal.

Mr. Ford's early political service included participation in the Warren Commission after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. He also served as minority leader of the House of Representatives.

Please be aware that established protocol is to fly the American flag at half mast for 30 days upon the death of a President. If you are unable to fly a flag at half mast, protocol suggests that three black mourning bows be attached to it, one at each corner and one in the center. These rules can be viewed at http://www.gettysburgflag.com/FlyFlagHalfMast.php.