From: The Desert Sun

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. -

Our desert neighbor and his wife, Betty, have contributed for many decades to the valley’s civic, social scenes

Mention Gerald Ford's name and you get an immediate reaction.

In Washington, he's remembered as the great healer, the president confronted with the Herculean task of rebuilding trust in the White House on the heels of Watergate and Richard Nixon's resignation.

In Michigan, they recall the former Big 10 star who spurned a professional football career after graduation from the University of Michigan for a life in public service.

And in the Coachella Valley, he and his wife, Betty, are our neighbors in the desert, a former president and first lady who have contributed richly to the area's civic and social scenes.

Today, there's another milestone to celebrate: Gerald Ford is now the oldest living president in U.S. history.

At age 93 years, three months and 29 days, President Ford has surpassed the late President Ronald Reagan for the distinction.

In his typical understated, unassuming way, President Ford acknowledged today's historical achievement with perspective.

"The length of one's days matters less than the love of one's family and friends," he said in a statement.

"I thank God for the gift of every sunrise and, even more, for all the years He has blessed me with Betty and the children, with our extended family and the friends of a lifetime. That includes countless Americans who, in recent months, have remembered me in their prayers," Ford wrote, an apparent allusion to some of his recent medical problems.

"Your kindness touches me deeply. May God bless you all and may God bless America."

Earlier this year, author Barry Werth captured President Ford's historic first month in office - Aug. 9 to Sept. 8, 1974 - in his book, "31 Days." It's a fascinating look at how the former representative from Michigan's Fifth District - the well-liked, loyal Republican congressman who served both as vice-president and president without being elected to either office - assumed office on the heels of Nixon's resignation and applied a salve to the nation's wounds by offering "full, free and absolute pardon" of Nixon.

He recalls President Ford's first address to the nation: "I am acutely aware that you have not elected me as your president by your ballots. So, I ask you to confirm me as your president with your prayers. My fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over.

Our Constitution works. Our great republic is a government of laws and not of men. Here, the people rule …"

Congratulations, President Ford. History will remember you not only for the length of your tenure in the White House or the number of years we're blessed with you in our company. You also will be remembered for how you served the nation - as a public servant and as its 38th president.