2008 Woodie Awards
Gerald Ford's presidential legacy
Sat Paul Goyal
Issue date: 1/16/07 Section: Voices
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The 38th President Gerald R. Ford passed away at the age of 93 on Dec. 26, 2006, leaving behind a rich legacy. Ford's flag-draped casket traveled from California to Washington, and finally to Grand Rapids, Michigan. The casket was greeted at the airport with a 21-gun salute and the University of Michigan band playing the school's fight song.
Grand Rapids was the city that Ford called home. On Jan.3, Ford was laid to final rest on a scenic knoll overlooking the Grand River and the presidential Gerald R. Ford Museum in Grand Rapids. Ford's burial marked the end of the official six days of mourning and celebration of the man who was elevated to the office of U.S. president after Richard Nixon resigned in disgrace over the Watergate scandal. Earlier, Ford served for 25 years in the U.S. House of Representatives for the State of Michigan.
"My fellow Americans," Ford addressed the nation, "our long nightmare is over. Our Constitution works. Our great republic is a government of laws and not of men. Here the people rule."
Those simple but powerful words lifted an enormous burden off the nation's shoulders and allowed the country to heal and transcend the traumatic Watergate crisis.
If making a mistake is human, to forgive is also human. On Sep. 8, 1974, President Ford granted former President Richard Nixon, "a full, free, and absolute pardon" for any offences against the United States.
Over 3,000 guests filed the majestic Washington National Cathedral, including former presidents Carter, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, cabinet members of Congress, and justices of the Supreme Court.
Speakers referred to the innate decency and impeccable character embodied by Ford. He had "a heart as big and open as the Midwest plains on which he was born," former President Bush said.
Former NBC anchor Tom Brokaw said Ford came with "no demons, no hidden agendas, no hit lists, no acts of vengeance."
President Bush described Ford "as a true gentleman who reflected the best in America's character."
Grand Rapids was the city that Ford called home. On Jan.3, Ford was laid to final rest on a scenic knoll overlooking the Grand River and the presidential Gerald R. Ford Museum in Grand Rapids. Ford's burial marked the end of the official six days of mourning and celebration of the man who was elevated to the office of U.S. president after Richard Nixon resigned in disgrace over the Watergate scandal. Earlier, Ford served for 25 years in the U.S. House of Representatives for the State of Michigan.
"My fellow Americans," Ford addressed the nation, "our long nightmare is over. Our Constitution works. Our great republic is a government of laws and not of men. Here the people rule."
Those simple but powerful words lifted an enormous burden off the nation's shoulders and allowed the country to heal and transcend the traumatic Watergate crisis.
If making a mistake is human, to forgive is also human. On Sep. 8, 1974, President Ford granted former President Richard Nixon, "a full, free, and absolute pardon" for any offences against the United States.
Over 3,000 guests filed the majestic Washington National Cathedral, including former presidents Carter, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, cabinet members of Congress, and justices of the Supreme Court.
Speakers referred to the innate decency and impeccable character embodied by Ford. He had "a heart as big and open as the Midwest plains on which he was born," former President Bush said.
Former NBC anchor Tom Brokaw said Ford came with "no demons, no hidden agendas, no hit lists, no acts of vengeance."
President Bush described Ford "as a true gentleman who reflected the best in America's character."
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