Grand Rapids native, John Parker, created Night Flight during his years as an instructor of sculpture at the prestigious arts camp, Interlochen. Parker was commissioned to create the piece by the Kiwanis Club of Grand Rapids in honor of Gerald Ford being named a life member of the organization. Parker, who attended Grand Rapids (Junior) Community College, continued his studies at the Cleveland Institute of Art and the Rinehart School of Sculpture at the Maryland Institute before joining the staff at Interlochen. Parker was awarded the commission honoring Gerald Ford due to his ties to the community.

The artist's interest and life-long study of birds and pre-historic animals served as impetus for many of his works. A sense of movement, or flight, is achieved in Night Flight through the work's expansive wing span. The work was a gift to the Grand Rapids Art Museum and dedicated to President Ford on the opening day of the Museum at its present location on Division Avenue in downtown Grand Rapids.