[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 86 (Friday, May 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1060]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      COMMEMORATING GERALD R. FORD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARY BONO MACK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 2008

  Mrs. BONO MACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor President Gerald 
R. Ford and I want to thank my 37 colleagues who have agreed to join me 
in naming a post office located in Rancho Mirage, CA, in my district, 
as the Gerald R. Ford Post Office.
  Many of my colleagues may know that President Ford and his family 
resided in Rancho Mirage for many years before his passing.
  President Ford and former First Lady Betty Ford were active members 
of our local community, generously contributing to the betterment of 
our residents with their involvement in charities and support for the 
successful Betty Ford Center for drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
  Naming this post office near the Ford residence will not only 
celebrate President Ford's involvement in our community but will pay 
tribute to his incredible life and career surrounding his leadership as 
our 38th President.
  Among President Ford's many lifetime achievements was serving our 
country during WWII, rising to the ranks of naval lieutenant commander 
and serving in Congress for 25 years, 8 of which he was the minority 
leader. As President, he led our citizens during a time of war, 
economic uncertainty, and low morale. With his steady direction, he 
worked to unify our Nation during a tumultuous time in our Nation's 
history.
  He was one of our most respected leaders, and worked on many fronts 
to unify our citizens and strengthen our trust in America's future. 
Even many years after his Presidency, President Ford continued serving 
as a source of wise counsel to leaders throughout our Nation and the 
world.
  As a cherished resident in my district, where many locals called him 
a friend, President Ford is most deserving of the honor that this 
Gerald R. Ford Post Office will bring him and his family.
  I ask that my colleagues, who wish to commemorate the legacy of 
President Ford, join me in naming this post office near the Ford 
residence after this incredible American.

                          ____________________