President Bush's Remarks in
Eulogy to
Former President Gerald R. Ford
The
Washington National Cathedral
Washington, D.C.
THE
PRESIDENT: Mrs. Ford, the Ford family; distinguished guests,
including our Presidents and First Ladies; and our fellow citizens:
We
are here today to say goodbye to a great man. Gerald Ford was born
and reared in the American heartland. He belonged to a generation
that measured men by their honesty and their courage. He grew to
manhood under the roof of a loving mother and father -- and when
times were tough, he took part-time jobs to help them out. In
President Ford, the world saw the best of America -- and America
found a man whose character and leadership would bring calm and
healing to one of the most divisive moments in our nation's history.
Long
before he was known in Washington, Gerald Ford showed his character
and his leadership. As a star football player for the University of
Michigan, he came face to face with racial prejudice when Georgia
Tech came to Ann Arbor for a football game. One of Michigan's best
players was an African American student named Willis Ward. Georgia
Tech said they would not take the field if a black man were allowed
to play. Gerald Ford was furious at Georgia Tech for making the
demand, and for the University of Michigan for caving in. He agreed
to play only after Willis Ward personally asked him to. The stand
Gerald Ford took that day was never forgotten by his friend. And
Gerald Ford never forgot that day either -- and three decades later,
he proudly supported the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act
in the United States Congress.
Gerald
Ford showed his character in the devotion to his family. On the day
he became President, he told the nation, "I am indebted to no
man, and only to one woman -- to my dear wife." By then Betty
Ford had a pretty good idea of what marriage to Gerald Ford
involved. After all, their wedding had taken place less than three
weeks before his first election to the United States Congress, and
his idea of a "honeymoon" was driving to Ann Arbor with
his bride so they could attend a brunch before the
Michigan-Northwestern game the next day. (Laughter.) And that was
the beginning of a great marriage. The Fords would have four fine
children. And Steve, Jack, Mike, and Susan know that, as proud as
their Dad was of being President, Gerald Ford was even prouder of
the other titles he held: father, and grandfather, and
great-grandfather.
Gerald
Ford showed his character in the uniform of our country. When Pearl
Harbor was attacked in December 1941, Gerald Ford was an attorney
fresh out of Yale Law School, but when his nation called he did not
hesitate. In early 1942 he volunteered for the Navy and, after
receiving his commission, worked hard to get assigned to a ship
headed into combat. Eventually his wish was granted, and Lieutenant
Ford was assigned to the aircraft carrier, USS Monterey, which saw
action in some of the biggest battles of the Pacific.
Gerald
Ford showed his character in public office. As a young congressman,
he earned a reputation for an ability to get along with others
without compromising his principles. He was greatly admired by his
colleagues and they trusted him a lot. And so when President Nixon
needed to replace a vice president who had resigned in scandal, he
naturally turned to a man whose name was a synonym for integrity:
Gerald R. Ford. And eight months later, when he was elevated to the
presidency, it was because America needed him, not because he needed
the office.
President
Ford assumed office at a terrible time in our nation's history. At
home, America was divided by political turmoil and wracked by
inflation. In Southeast Asia, Saigon fell just nine months into his
presidency. Amid all the turmoil, Gerald Ford was a rock of
stability. And when he put his hand on his family Bible to take the
presidential oath of office, he brought grace to a moment of great
doubt.
In
a short time, the gentleman from Grand Rapids proved that behind the
affability was firm resolve. When a U.S. ship called the Mayaguez
was seized by Cambodia, President Ford made the tough decision to
send in the Marines -- and all the crew members were rescued. He was
criticized for signing the Helsinki Accords, yet history has shown
that document helped bring down the Soviet Union, as courageous men
and women behind the Iron Curtain used it to demand their God-given
liberties. Twice assassins attempted to take the life of this good
and decent man, yet he refused to curtail his public appearances.
And when he thought that the nation needed to put Watergate behind
us, he made the tough and decent decision to pardon President Nixon,
even though that decision probably cost him the presidential
election.
Gerald
Ford assumed the presidency when the nation needed a leader of
character and humility -- and we found it in the man from Grand
Rapids. President Ford's time in office was brief, but history will
long remember the courage and common sense that helped restore trust
in the workings of our democracy.
Laura
and I had the honor of hosting the Ford family for Gerald Ford's
90th birthday. It's one of the highlights of our time in the White
House. I will always cherish the memory of the last time I saw him,
this past year in California. He was still smiling, still counting
himself lucky to have Betty at his side, and still displaying the
optimism and generosity that made him one of America's most beloved
leaders.
And
so, on behalf of a grateful nation, we bid farewell to our 38th
President. We thank the Almighty for Gerald Ford's life, and we ask
for God's blessings on Gerald Ford and his family.
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