Documentary sheds new light on Gerald Ford, our only Eagle Scout president

Gerald Ford Boy ScoutWhen Richard Nixon resigned as president in 1974, the United States was in turmoil.

It needed a leader. It needed a man of character to right the ship. It needed an Eagle Scout.

A new documentary on the National Geographic Channel highlights Gerald R. Ford, the man who is (at least so far) the only Eagle Scout to become U.S. president.

The film, narrated by Jeff Daniels, shows how important character and trust are in the world’s most powerful position. It shows how Ford built bipartisan support, united a nation and gained respect from world leaders.

Not bad for a man who never even wanted to be president.

With the current state of social and political unrest in this country, the timing of this film’s look back at Ford’s legacy seems especially prescient.

Gerald R. Ford: A Test of Character debuts at 9 p.m. (Eastern and Pacific) Friday, May 27, on the National Geographic Channel.

Host a watch party

Consider gathering your troop, crew, team, post or ship for a viewing party Friday night.

Bring some snacks and sodas and plan to discuss the role this Eagle Scout played in American history.

Can’t make Friday night work? The film will be available on demand after its initial airing.

Gerald R. Ford (left) holds the flag as he and his fellow members of the Eagle Scout Guard of Honor prepare to raise the colors over Fort Mackinac at Mackinac Island State Park, Mich. The troop served as guides during the summer months of 1929.
Gerald R. Ford (left) holds the flag as he and his fellow members of the Eagle Scout Guard of Honor prepare to raise the colors over Fort Mackinac at Mackinac Island State Park, Mich. The troop served as guides during the summer months of 1929.

Horsemanship card Gerald Ford

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An Eagle Scout interviewed Gerald Ford’s daughter, Susan, for this Facebook video on behalf of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation.


About Bryan Wendell 3282 Articles
Bryan Wendell, an Eagle Scout, is the founder of Bryan on Scouting and a contributing writer.