I just think that it's more than just a bit odd that the banks are going to be closed closed on Tuesday, 01/02/07, supposedly out of respect for former president Gerald Ford. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? When was the last time something like this happened and how significant might this be?

That is because Mr. Bush has given the day to federal employees to mourn the death of President Ford.

My husband has the day off also, due to the fact that he works in our local military base.

Yep, marg is right. The President has declared Tuesday a national day of mourning so it basically is the same as a federal holiday. Banks, the stock markets, the post office and all other nonessential federal agencies will be closed.

[edit on 1/1/2007 by djohnsto77]

Nothing odd. You just don't have former Presidents dying all the time, which is why it doesn't happen more often.