Approximately 57 members of the U.S. Air Force Band of Flight from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base performed in the cold rain January 3, 2007 to honor Gerald R. Ford, 38th U.S. president during funeral services in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Conducting musical performances for state funerals is the Air Force Band of Flight’s top priority, and with the passing of President Ford December 26, the band from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base was called into service.
“We are saddened by the passing of President Ford, but take great pride that Wright-Patt Airmen are playing an important role in honoring him in his home state of Michigan ,†said Col. Colleen Ryan, 88th Air Base Wing commander.
A military honor guard carries the casket of former President Gerald R. Ford during interment ceremonies on the grounds of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Photo by David Bohrer
“We have been preparing to perform at this event for the last six years. We have inspected uniforms, music and travel arrangements to the point of perfection,” said 2nd Lt. David Alpar, commander and associate conductor of the Air Force Band of Flight.
The band, joined by the Air Force Band of Liberty from Hanscom AFB, Mass., arrived in Grand Rapids December 30 and began rehearsals the next day. They practiced through New Year’s Day and brought rain gear, snow gear, shovels, and other equipment to battle any weather challenges they might face.
(1) Air Force musicians arrive Jan. 1 at Grace Episcopal Church in Grand Rapids, Mich., to rehearse. (2) Rehersal for President Ford’s funeral service outside Grace Episcopal Church
U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeremy T. Lock
The band played “Ruffles and Flourishes,” “Hail to the Chief” and arrival and departure hymns during the funeral services at Grace Episcopal Church in Grand Rapids.
“I was really impressed with the attention to detail everyone provided during the performance. I think everything went smoothly,” said Staff Sergeant Jerry Noble, a percussionist in the band.
“It makes us feel proud to represent the Air Force while honoring President Ford’s legacy and life,” said Tech. Sgt. Shelley Steepe, the Band of Flight’s assistant director of operations.
More Information on Music at Presidential Funerals
Below is more information on the music played during presidential funerals. A military band plays appropriate music in honor of the former president during each phase of the funeral.
Ruffles and Flourishes – Ruffles are played on drums and flourishes on bugles. They are sounded together, once for each star of the general officer being honored or according to the title or office held. Four Ruffles and Flourishes are the highest honor and played for presidents.
Hail to the Chief - The traditional musical salute to the president of the United States.
Taps - A bugle call sounded over the grave of a service member dating from the time of the Civil War. Three volleys are fired over the grave. This practice has its origin in the old custom of halting the fighting to remove the dead from the battlefield. Once the dead were removed three rifle volleys were fired as a signal that the battle could resume. The volleys are traditionally fired by a firing party of seven service members. The fact that the firing party consists of seven service members firing three volleys does not constitute a 21-gun salute.
Uniforms – Every uniform that is part of the event has never been worn before. It is considered paramount that band uniforms be in pristine condition for such an event.
