Services In Grand Rapids For Former First Lady
GRAND RAPIDS (WWJ) - A big crowd is expected Wednesday at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, where the body of former First Lady Betty Ford will lie in repose.
WWJ Newsradio 950 spoke with Rod Kackley who will be covering the services for Grand Rapids' Wood Radio.
"The casket will land at Ford International Airport, named after her husband, obviously. Then they'll take it by motorcade across town to the Gerald R. Ford museum where she'll be laid to rest," said Kackley.
"Governor Snyder will meet them at the airport and then go to the museum. Then, at the museum, he'll offer a few words and then the former First Lady will lie in repose all night long," he said.
"I would say it's an honor to have our First Lady home, and we are hoping that everyone participates," said Grand Rapids Deputy City Manager Eric DeLong.
DeLong says this isn't the first time they've had such a big event ... and they are working with several law enforcement agencies to make sure it all goes smoothly.
"President Ford's event was really phenomenal in terms of its size and turn out, so we understand how that works, and we'll be able to provide the same type of fitting remembrance this time for Mrs. Ford," said DeLong.
A brief service will be held in the atrium of the museum beginning at 7 p.m. At 2 p.m. Thursday, there will be a funeral service at Grace Episcopal Church in East Grand Rapids.
