    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [January 2, 2007]
    [Pages 1-2]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1]]

    Eulogy at the National Funeral Service for Former President Gerald R.
    Ford
    January 2, 2007

        Mrs. Ford; the Ford family;
    distinguished guests, including our
    Presidents and
    First Ladies; and
    our fellow citizens:
        We are here today to say goodbye to a great man. Gerald Ford was
    born and reared in the American heartland. He belonged to a generation
    that measured men by their honesty and their courage. He grew to manhood
    under the roof of a loving mother and father. And when times were tough,
    he took part-time jobs to help them out. In President Ford, the world
    saw the best of America, and America found a man whose character and
    leadership would bring calm and healing to one of the most divisive
    moments in our Nation's history.
        Long before he was known in Washington, Gerald Ford showed his
    character and his leadership. As a star football player for the
    University of Michigan, he came face to face with racial prejudice when
    Georgia Tech came to Ann Arbor for a football game. One of Michigan's
    best players was an African American student named Willis Ward. Georgia
    Tech said they would not take the field if a black man were allowed to
    play. Gerald Ford was furious at Georgia Tech for making the demand and
    for the University of Michigan for caving in. He agreed to play only
    after Willis Ward personally asked him to. The stand Gerald Ford took
    that day was never forgotten by his friend. And Gerald Ford never forgot
    that day either, and three decades later, he proudly supported the Civil
    Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act in the United States Congress.
        Gerald Ford showed his character in the devotion to his family. On
    the day he became President, he told the Nation, ``I am indebted to no
    man and only to one woman--to my dear wife.'' By then Betty Ford had a pretty good idea of what marriage
    to Gerald Ford involved. After all, their wedding had taken place less
    than 3 weeks before his first election to the United States Congress,
    and his idea of a honeymoon was driving to Ann Arbor with his bride so
    they could attend a brunch before the Michigan-Northwestern game the
    next day. [Laughter] And that was the beginning of a great marriage. The
    Fords would have four fine children. And Steve, Jack, Mike, and Susan know that, as proud as
    their dad was of being President, Gerald Ford was even prouder of the
    other titles he held: father and grandfather and great-grandfather.
        Gerald Ford showed his character in the uniform of our country. When
    Pearl Harbor was attacked in December 1941, Gerald Ford was an attorney
    fresh out of Yale Law School, but when his Nation called, he did not
    hesitate. In early 1942 he volunteered for the Navy and, after receiving
    his commission, worked hard to get assigned to a ship headed into
    combat. Eventually his wish was granted, and Lieutenant Ford was
    assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Monterey, which saw action in some
    of the biggest battles of the Pacific.
        Gerald Ford showed his character in public office. As a young
    Congressman, he earned a reputation for an ability to get along with
    others without compromising his principles. He was greatly admired by
    his colleagues, and they trusted him a lot. And so when President Nixon
    needed to replace a Vice President who had resigned in scandal, he
    naturally turned to a man whose

    [[Page 2]]

    name was a synonym for integrity: Gerald R. Ford. And 8 months later,
    when he was elevated to the Presidency, it was because America needed
    him, not because he needed the office.
        President Ford assumed office at a terrible time in our Nation's
    history. At home, America was divided by political turmoil and wracked
    by inflation. In Southeast Asia, Saigon fell just 9 months into his
    Presidency. Amid all the turmoil, Gerald Ford was a rock of stability.
    And when he put his hand on his family Bible to take the Presidential
    oath of office, he brought grace to a moment of great doubt.
        In a short time, the gentleman from Grand Rapids proved that behind
    the affability was firm resolve. When a U.S. ship called the Mayaguez
    was seized by Cambodia, President Ford made the tough decision to send
    in the Marines, and all the crew members were rescued. He was criticized
    for signing the Helsinki accords, yet history has shown that document
    helped bring down the Soviet Union, as courageous men and women behind
    the Iron Curtain used it to demand their God-given liberties. Twice,
    assassins attempted to take the life of this good and decent man, yet he
    refused to curtail his public appearances. And when he thought that the
    Nation needed to put Watergate behind us, he made the tough and decent
    decision to pardon President Nixon, even though that decision probably
    cost him the Presidential election.
        Gerald Ford assumed the Presidency when the Nation needed a leader
    of character and humility, and we found it in the man from Grand Rapids.
    President Ford's time in office was brief, but history will long
    remember the courage and common sense that helped restore trust in the
    workings of our democracy.
        Laura and I had the honor of hosting the Ford
    family for Gerald Ford's 90th birthday. It's one of the highlights of
    our time in the White House. I will always cherish the memory of the
    last time I saw him this past year in California. He was still smiling,
    still counting himself lucky to have Betty
    at his side, and still displaying the optimism and generosity that made
    him one of America's most beloved leaders.
        And so, on behalf of a grateful nation, we bid farewell to our 38th
    President. We thank the Almighty for Gerald Ford's life, and we ask for
    God's blessings on Gerald Ford and his family.

    Note: The President spoke at 11:20 a.m. at the National Cathedral. The
    proclamation of December 27, 2006, titled Announcing the Death of Gerald
    R. Ford, was published in the Federal Register at 72 FR 421. The
    proclamation of December 28, 2006, titled National Day of Mourning for
    Gerald R. Ford, was published in the Federal Register at 72 FR 423. The
    Executive order of December 28, 2006, titled Providing for the Closing
    of Government Departments and Agencies on January 2, 2007, was published
    in the Federal Register at 72 FR 425.