Honoring former President Gerald R. ford On His 91st Birthday -- (House of Representatives - July 12, 2004)
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Mrs. BONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a man who holds a distinguished record of life-long public service to the United States. President Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States, celebrates his 91st birthday today. Since 1913, President Ford has been a diligent, humble steward of public service to our great country. He is a role model for all of us involved with public office, and I am fortunate to also call him a dear friend and constituent. It is with great pleasure that I congratulate President Ford, and extend best wishes to his family on this day of celebration.
President Ford's public service began in high school, where he achieved the honor of Eagle Scout. He later earned ten battle stars as lieutenant commander in the Navy, served the State of Michigan in Congress for 12 terms, eventually served as House Minority Leader in 1965, and finally, he served our country as the 38th President. As President, he lead America through the weakest economy of the post-World War II period, confronting tough issues as rising levels of both inflation and unemployment.
After completing his term as President, he returned to Rancho Mirage-a region of southern California that I have the privilege of representing. Now, even at the age of 91, he continues to invest time, energy, and experience into improving our community. His investments in the Rancho Mirage region helped to spark unprecedented levels of economic growth that began in 1983 and continue today. His commitments include support for the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert, the Living Desert and Desert Museum, and the Eisenhower Medical Center and the Betty Ford Center.
In 1997, Ford joined Gen. Colin Powell in Philadelphia for the formation of America's Promise. In my district, he brought the goals of helping young people to fruition by chairing an America's Promise chapter in the Coachella Valley.
President Bill Clinton presented Ford with the Medal of Freedom in 1999, recognizing his role in guiding the nation through the turbulent times of Watergate, the Nixon resignation and the end of the Vietnam war. Also in 1999, he received the Congressional Medal of Honor for, "dedicated public service and outstanding humanitarian contributions."
In my district, President Ford is heralded as a man who consistently puts country over political party. He is a respected and honored leader, who tirelessly and passionately fights for principles of freedom, hope, and justice. On a personal note, President Ford has provided me with advice and inspiration to better serve the people of the 45th District of California.
Ford and his wife, Betty, continue to support numerous local and national charities and service projects. Despite Ford's long list of honors, his humble spirit remains as a shining example to us all. When asked about his and Betty's unrelenting investment of public service, he simply responded: "We're trying to do our full share." After decades of compassionate leadership, President Ford remains a trusted, proven leader, who views giving back to the community as a civic responsibility of all Americans, not just the task of elected officials.
On behalf of my constituents, the people of California, and the people of America, I am pleased to honor a man who has dedicated a lifetime to public service on this very special day. Happy 91st Birthday, President Gerald Ford. You are a continuous inspiration, admired leader, and valued friend.