It is indeed, by official proclamation of the President, a National Day of Mourning, for the recently departed President Ford. As in:

As a further mark of respect to the memory of Gerald R. Ford, the thirty-eighth President of the United States, NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, in honor and tribute to the memory of Gerald R. Ford, and as an expression of public sorrow, do appoint Tuesday, January 2, 2007, as a National Day of Mourning throughout the United States. I call on the American people to assemble on that day in their respective places of worship, there to pay homage to the memory of President Ford. I invite the people of the world who share our grief to join us in this solemn observance.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty eighth day of December in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.

GEORGE W. BUSH

I go to work. My office is officially closed, since the federal government is likewise closed and we follow them in these matters. But I’ve got tons to do and a big meeting tomorrow morning.

I do split early, however, and then drive to Home Depot for some good old Henry 208. Then I make it home in time to patch the suspect seam before it gets dark.