GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Dozens of people came out Sunday to remember Grand Rapids’ favorite son President Gerald R. Ford on what would have been his 106th birthday.
Among those involved in the event’s wreath-laying ceremony were sailors who serve on the aircraft carrier that bears Ford’s name. U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Dakota Jarvis and Lt. j.g. Nicholas Spaleny call West Michigan home and said they were honored to participate.
“It’s honestly inspiring,” Spaleny said. “It adds more of a personal aspect to his career. He’s not just a historical figure, he’s someone I can relate to. And having that hometown connection is also even more so inspiring in the way that I conduct myself in the Navy and in my personal life.”
Not only do the sailors serve in the same branch of the military as the 38th president, they are roughly the same age Ford was when he served following the attack on Pearl Harbor.
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