After becoming President in 1974 following Nixon's resignation, Ford was only in office for a year before he was out on the campaign trail looking for support for a 1976 reelection bid. On September 11, 1975 Ford flew from Maryland to Keene, NH on Airforce One, which had been named "Spirit of '76" for the bicentennial celebration that less than a year away. He arrived at 9:27AM and was greeted by New Hampshire state officials as well as newspaper reporters from around the state. After completing his stop in Keene, Ford traveled by motorcade to several other New Hampshire towns, including Nashua and Milford. At 4:20 the presidential motorcade left Hudson and made its way to Windham Center School, arriving at 4:42. The students, as well as many other townspeople, had been gathered outside of the school waiting to greet the President. Before departing just three minutes later, Ford was presented with a set of bicentennial glasses.
President Gerald Ford in Windham kissing Lisa Kelleher, four and a half years old.