Honoring Former President Gerald R. Ford on His 91st Birthday

HONORING FORMER PRESIDENT GERALD R. FORD ON HIS 91ST BIRTHDAY -- (House of Representatives - July 12, 2004)

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 702) honoring former President Gerald R. Ford on the occasion of his 91st birthday and extending the best wishes of the House of Representatives to former President Ford and his family.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join with the gentlewoman from Michigan in consideration of this resolution, and it is my pleasure to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell), the author of this resolution and one of the most distinguished and longest-serving Members of this body, the dean of the institution and the ranking member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join with my colleagues today to pay tribute to former President Gerald Ford on the occasion of his 91st birthday and to thank him for his service to our Nation. President Ford assumed the office of President under difficult circumstances and guided us with strength and steadiness that helped us to regain confidence that we had lost in our Nation's most important office.

Looking back on President Ford's life, it is easy to see that he would distinguish himself as a leader. At the University of Michigan, he excelled both at his studies and at football. He received a law degree from Yale University. When duty called, he enlisted in the Navy, where he earned the rank of lieutenant commander during World War II.

Following the war, President Ford returned to his home State of Michigan and was elected to the House of Representatives for his first of 13 terms. An innate ability to lead helped President Ford rise quickly through the ranks of Congress. He was soon assigned to the influential Committee on Appropriations and rose to became the ranking Republican on the Subcommittee on Defense of the Committee on Appropriations.

In 1972, Gerald Ford was nominated as Vice President. He became President in 1974, following the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Faced with many challenges when he took office, President Ford worked to repair the damaged relationship between the American people and its government and the image of America with the rest of the world.

Two of his historic accomplishments were bringing an end to the Vietnam War and facilitating improved relations between Egypt and Israel. Improved relations between Israel and Egypt would lead to a peace pact between the two rival nations, an unprecedented step towards peace in the region.

On his inauguration day President Jimmy Carter began his speech by saying, "For myself and for our Nation, I want to thank my predecessor for all he has done to heal our land."

While we all may not agree with all of the decisions President Ford made during his political career, we can all concur that he carried himself with dignity at a time when our Nation needed it most.

Mr. Speaker, I again want to thank President Ford for his service. I commend the gentleman from Michigan for introducing this resolution.

[Begin Insert]

Mrs. BONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a man who holds a distinguished record of life-long public service to the United States. President Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States, celebrates his 91st birthday today. Since 1913, President Ford has been a diligent, humble steward of public service to our great country. He is a role model for all of us involved with public office, and I am fortunate to also call him a dear friend and constituent. It is with great pleasure that I congratulate President Ford, and extend best wishes to his family on this day of celebration.

President Ford's public service began in high school, where he achieved the honor of Eagle Scout. He later earned ten battle stars as lieutenant commander in the Navy, served the State of Michigan in Congress for 12 terms, eventually served as House Minority Leader in 1965, and finally, he served our country as the 38th President. As President, he lead America through the weakest economy of the post-World War II period, confronting tough issues as rising levels of both inflation and unemployment.

After completing his term as President, he returned to Rancho Mirage-a region of southern California that I have the privilege of representing. Now, even at the age of 91, he continues to invest time, energy, and experience into improving our community. His investments in the Rancho Mirage region helped to spark unprecedented levels of economic growth that began in 1983 and continue today. His commitments include support for the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert, the Living Desert and Desert Museum, and the Eisenhower Medical Center and the Betty Ford Center.

In 1997, Ford joined Gen. Colin Powell in Philadelphia for the formation of America's Promise. In my district, he brought the goals of helping young people to fruition by chairing an America's Promise chapter in the Coachella Valley.

President Bill Clinton presented Ford with the Medal of Freedom in 1999, recognizing his role in guiding the nation through the turbulent times of Watergate, the Nixon resignation and the end of the Vietnam war. Also in 1999, he received the Congressional Medal of Honor for, "dedicated public service and outstanding humanitarian contributions."

In my district, President Ford is heralded as a man who consistently puts country over political party. He is a respected and honored leader, who tirelessly and passionately fights for principles of freedom, hope, and justice. On a personal note, President Ford has provided me with advice and inspiration to better serve the people of the 45th District of California.

Ford and his wife, Betty, continue to support numerous local and national charities and service projects. Despite Ford's long list of honors, his humble spirit remains as a shining example to us all. When asked about his and Betty's unrelenting investment of public service, he simply responded: "We're trying to do our full share." After decades of compassionate leadership, President Ford remains a trusted, proven leader, who views giving back to the community as a civic responsibility of all Americans, not just the task of elected officials.

On behalf of my constituents, the people of California, and the people of America, I am pleased to honor a man who has dedicated a lifetime to public service on this very special day. Happy 91st Birthday, President Gerald Ford. You are a continuous inspiration, admired leader, and valued friend.

[End Insert]

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.