[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 2 (Friday, January 5, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E21]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING PRESIDENT GERALD FORD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN L. MICA

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 4, 2007

  Mr. MICA. Madam Speaker, with the passing of President Gerald Ford 
our Nation, the U.S. House of Representatives and the Ford Family have 
lost a leader, a respected colleague and a loved one who was very 
special to their lives.
  Few American leaders of our time have gained the admiration and 
appreciation so well deserved and earned by our 38th President. While 
our country has lost a distinguished leader and the Congress has lost a 
distinguished Member, Gerald Ford's life and public service will always 
remain a model for future generations.
  In October of 1999, I had the pleasure to quietly sit and speak with 
President Ford at the conclusion of a Capitol Hill reception that was 
held after he was honored with the Congressional Gold Medal in the 
Capitol Rotunda. While I had met him before, what struck me on this 
special occasion was how such a great man receiving the highest honor 
from our Nation and Congress could be so humble, so gracious and so 
genuine.
  How memorable it was for me to spend that special time with that 
gentle man and great American. How fitting it was that Gerald Ford 
returned this week to the Capitol and the Congress he loved. While this 
gentle man belongs to the ages, he will always share a special place in 
our hearts and fond memories.

                          ____________________