Ford Funeral Changes Bush's Schedule...Slightly December 28, 2006 5:56 PM
ABC News' Geoff Morrell Reports: President Bush will return to Washington a little earlier than planned to pay respects to President Gerald Ford. Instead of flying back to DC on Monday afternoon, he will leave Waco before 11am that morning.
Upon arrival, the President and First Lady will head directly to the Capitol. On Tuesday, which the President will proclaim a National Day of Mourning, Mr. Bush will make remarks at the memorial service at the National Cathedral.
Mr Bush will NOT attend the funeral service being held Saturday night at the Capitol because, says the White House, that is a Congressional event, though Vice President Cheney will be there in his role as President of the Senate.
Bush followed the same protocol after President Reagan's death. Although in that case he could not get back to DC any earlier because he was hosting the G8 Summit in Sea Island. This year nothing precludes the President from returning for the Saturday night service except his desire to continue his ranch vacation.