[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6546]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             DEDICATION OF STATUE OF PRESIDENT GERALD FORD

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 3, 2011

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of an 
extraordinary man, dedicated public servant and proud Michigander: 
President Gerald Ford.
  For 25 years, President Ford served as a Representative from 
Michigan. As Minority Leader he was respected on both sides of the 
aisle as a strong and capable leader. As he famously said ``I have had 
a lot of adversaries in my political life, but no enemies that I can 
remember.''
  He ascended to the Presidency during a difficult chapter in our 
nation's history. Through his dedicated leadership, he helped guide the 
country out of the turmoil caused by Watergate and in the process he 
distinguished himself as truly one of the most honorable Presidents we 
have ever had.
  I have served under seven Presidents in my 34 years in Congress, but 
President Ford was the first. His State of the Union Address was the 
first I had the privilege to attend on the floor of the House of 
Representatives and it is an experience I will never forget.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor this great American patriot and 
proud Michigander.

                          ____________________