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Skriven 2007-01-02 23:31:10 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (070102) for Tue, 2007 Jan 2
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President Bush Attends Funeral Service for President Ford at the National
Cathedral
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
January 2, 2007

President's Remarks view
President Bush Attends Funeral Service for President Ford at the National
Cathedral
The Washington National Cathedral
Washington, D.C.


˙˙˙˙˙ Remembering President Gerald R. Ford (1913-2006)

11:20 A.M. EST

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.

END 11:27 A.M. EST

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