[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 3 (Monday, January 8, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S210]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             GERALD R. FORD

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I don't know if my friends on the other 
side of the aisle want any of the 3 minutes remaining. If not, I will 
proceed.
  I wanted to comment, briefly, on the life and passing of Gerald Ford 
during this period. I was listening to the remarks of my good friend 
from Virginia, and except for the part about eggs being thrown in 
Michigan, it struck an absolutely accurate chord, everything he said. 
It was kind of hard to imagine that anyone would throw eggs in 
Michigan, but I have to defend my home State. Other than that, I am 
sure his memory is very accurate and even the location no doubt is 
accurate.
  He talked about Gerry Ford and what he did heroically in World War II 
and how he survived the typhoon. Gerry Ford, when he became President, 
inherited a typhoon. Most Americans will remember President Ford for 
righting the ship of state during that stormy time when he became 
President. We all remember him for that because it was heroic what he 
did then for our Nation, a different kind of heroism from what he 
displayed in World War II but heroism nonetheless. He was deeply 
respected on both sides of the aisle for his civility, his 
bipartisanship, his integrity.
  We, in Michigan, in addition to remembering him as all others will 
for what he did to right that ship of state of ours, also remember him 
for a lifetime of service, including 13 terms in the House of 
Representatives from Michigan's Fifth Congressional District. And we, 
also, take particular pride in this son of Michigan and the manner in 
which he always treasured his west Michigan roots. There were many 
eulogies that were recently given about Gerald Ford, but in all of them 
it was noted that he never forgot where he came from. That was a very 
important part of this absolutely wonderful man, a friend of mine, 
someone with whom I had a number of dealings.
  Before time runs out for our morning business, I wanted to thank the 
Senator from Virginia. I don't know if this has been mentioned this 
morning or not. The Senator from Virginia authored an amendment during 
the last authorization bill which we adopted here which, by the way, is 
the John Warner Defense Authorization Act for the next fiscal year, 
named after John Warner in tribute to his chairmanship. But in that 
bill, Senator Warner offered an amendment that would name the first of 
a future class of aircraft carriers the USS Gerald Ford. I understand 
that the Navy recently announced that it is going to follow the 
suggestion which was incorporated in the Warner amendment, which I was 
proud to cosponsor, but in presenting that amendment at that time, 
Senator Warner recounted some of the heroism of our dear friend, the 
recently departed President Ford, and his heroism both in war and 
peacetime.
  I thank Senator Warner for the initiative he took to honor Gerry 
Ford's service to our country in a way which I think will have a very 
special meaning to President Ford because, as a Navy man, having the 
first of a future class of aircraft carriers named after him would 
bring a special pride to his heart.
  Gerald Ford began his service to our country in the Navy during World 
War II, where he displayed great valor in combat, and this will be a 
fitting tribute.
  Our thoughts and prayers are with Gerald Ford's beloved wife Betty 
and his family as we celebrate his life and legacy.
  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I thank my colleague, and I acknowledge 
the Senator's help on that. It was a joint project by the two of us.

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