President Gerald Ford
1913-2006
"One of the proudest moments of my life came in the Court of Honor when I was awarded
the Eagle Scout badge. I still have that badge. It is a treasured possession. I am the
first Eagle Scout Vice President. The three great principles which Scouting provides—self-discipline,
teamwork, and moral and patriotic values—are the basic building blocks of leadership. I
applaud the Scouting program for continuing to emphasize them. I am confident that your
ability to bring ideals, values, and leadership training to millions of our young people
will help to bring about a new era—a time in which not only our Republic will progress in
peace and freedom, but a time in which the entire world shall be secure, and all its people
free." Ford as Vice President
Troop 420 mourns the passing of President Gerald Ford.
President Ford was the first Eagle Scout to achieve the nation's highest office, and
over 400 Eagle Scouts took part in his funeral procession, both in Washington D.C. and in
President Ford's hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Troop 420 salutes President Ford.
We are honored to call him an Eagle Scout
Source: The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum
H0024-2. Gerald R. Ford, Jr. holds the flag as he and his fellow members of the Eagle Scout
Guard of Honor prepare to raise the colors over Fort Michilimackinac at Mackinac Island State Park, MI.
The troop served as guides during the summer months. August 1929.
Source: The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum
H0054-1. Gerald R. Ford, Jr. poses with other Eagle Scouts and Michigan Governor Fred Green
during a photo opportunity on Mackinac Island, MI. August 1929.