Photo Gallery

On April 8th, 2013 in Grand Rapids, MI, The Gerald R Ford Foundation was honored to host former First Ladies Barbara Bush and Laura Bush during the traveling "The Legacies of America's First Ladies Conferences". The event coincided with the commemoration of Betty Ford's 95th Birthday and continued Gerald R. Ford's centennial birthday celebrations. Sponsored by American University, the National Archives and the Presidential Libraries, the conferences highlight the impact of our First Ladies on politics, policy and American culture. The former First Ladies spoke about their personal reflections on numerous topics including Margaret Thatcher, the "place" of First Ladies with her position near The President, the campaigns of First Ladies such as education or healthcare, their post-office initiatives including national literacy programs and preparing to be First Lady of the United States.

January 26, 2013

On November 9, 2012, the Gerald R. Ford Foundation's board of trustees met with area business and community leaders to share a vision aimed at creating global access to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum's and Library's exhibits and documents through the funding of a $15 million dollar capital campaign. The campaign will fund a 10,500-square-foot student learning center at the museum located in Grand Rapids, Mich., and create interactive exhibits using the latest technologies. Online digital access to a significant number of historical documents in the museum, and library located in Ann Arbor, Mich. are also planned as part of the campaign. The fundraising phase of the campaign is expected to be completed during the spring of 2013.

Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill was selected posthumously as the recipient of the 2012 Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service. The medal was presented by Steve Ford, Chairman of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation and son of former President Ford at the annual dinner of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation on June 4, 2012 at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel in Washington, DC. The award was accepted by the O’Neill family and Tip O’Neill’s oldest son, Thomas P. O’Neill III. The medal is given annually to an individual who has served the public good in the private or public sector. The award was established by the Board of Trustees of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation in 2003.

On Friday, July 13th, Lt. Gen. Brent Scowcroft presented the 2012 William E. Simon Lecture on Public Affairs. In 1988, President Gerald R. Ford announced the establishment of the William E. Simon Lecture on Public Affairs. Scowcroft was the National Security Advisor under Presidents Gerald R. Ford and George H.W. Bush. The series is endowed by Mr. Simon’s gift to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation. William Simon served as Treasury Secretary during the Nixon and Ford administrations.

In June, Recipients joined guests to accept the 25th Gerald R. Ford Journalism Prizes to recognize journalists whose high standards for accuracy and substance help foster a better public understanding of the Presidency and on National Defense. The National Press Club Award Luncheon was hosted by Steve Ford, Chairman of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation. Chris Matthews addressed the audience following the award presentation. Recipients included: Scott Wilson (Presidency); Corinne Reilly (National Defense); Sean Naylor (Honorable Mention, National Defense).

The Ford Family welcomed distinguished guests and the public alike to the annual wreath laying on July 14th at Gerald R. Ford's tomb outside the Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Three wreaths were placed at the tomb of Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States, on what would have been his 99th birthday. Wreaths were received from President Barrack Obama, several generations of the Ford family and members of President Ford’s White House and Cabinet. Brent Scowcroft provided remarks on Gerald & Betty Ford.

The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation hosted First Family Representatives at yet another exclusive event to an overflow audience at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum on April 26, 2012 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Descendants of former First Ladies spoke on the enduring legacies, family stories and fondness that each carries for these unique icons of history. First Family Representatives included Margaret Hoover (great-granddaughter of Lou Hoover), Clifton Daniel (grandson of Bess Truman) and Betty Ford (daughter of Betty Ford). Rick Albin, Political Report for WOOD-TV, moderated the panel as they touched on the First Ladies more so than just their public positions, but as "mother, grandmother and great-grandmother". Each of these women represented vastly different times and enormously important parts of our American history and the Foundation was honored to host this special event.

The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum opened their next great exhibit "Bob Hope: An America Treasure" with an entertaining night of stories and laughs. Zach Hope, grandson of Bob & Dolores Hope, joined with the World Golf Hall of Fame to kickoff the February 8 - June 10, 2012 traveling exhibition in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Jack Peter from the World Golf Hall of Fame, creating organization for the exhibit, introduced Zach and discussed how the exhibit came to life working with the Hope Family and Charitable Foundation. Zach Hope retold tales from his grandfather about the personal friendship between "Pops" and President Ford, including several of the friendly jokes that were told about The President's golf game. Zach provided details into his grandfather's life in the public life, including his golf playing with Presidents and touring the world to entertain American Armed Forces Members. He shared his grandfather's reasons for entertaining the troops around the world, Pops love for America, his family background coming from England and growing up in Cleveland, OH.

On October 30, 2011, James A. Baker III, delivered remarks during the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Gerald R. Ford Library and Museum. James Baker has served in several Presidential Administrations but was first appointed Deputy Secretary of Commerce for President Gerald R. Ford. Baker stated that he would not be speaking that day without Ford's faith and confidence in him all those years ago. Baker recalled the man that Gerald R. Ford was, a man who would become the 38th President of the United States during a troubled time for our country. With Richard Nixon's resignation, signs of inflation and recession everywhere, Cold War with U.S.S.R., Baker believed that Ford's moral compass and character helped guide our nation in the right direction. Domestically, Ford was the first president to call for a national energy policy to move the country away from its reliance on foreign sources of energy and worked with Betty as a strong proponent of equal rights for women. Baker also examined five traits that contributed to Ford effective brand of leadership: selflessness, bipartisanship, dignity, humor and perseverance in the face of adversity.

John Paul Stevens was hosted by the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation in Grand Rapids, Michigan on September 29, 2011 as part of the William E. Simon Lecture Series. Stevens provided his insights into Gerald R. Ford, and provided an argument illustrating Ford’s leadership qualities and impact on our country. President Gerald R. Ford nominated John Paul Stevens for the U.S. Supreme Court in 1975. Stevens spoke on Ford’s impact on a Supreme Court decision involving the University of Michigan’s Affirmative Action program. Ford, while playing football for Michigan, refused to play in a game against Georgia Tech because the school vowed to boycott the game unless Michigan’s African American player, Willis Ward, was banned from playing in the game. Ford was persuaded by Willis to play for the team, but Stevens believes that event left an impact on Ford. In 2003, Ford would play a role in the decision by helping to illustrate the effectiveness of “success in diversity”.

Former Vice President Dick Cheney visited Grand Rapids, Michigan on September 21, 2011 to promote his autobiography "In My Time". Cheney discussed background of his book and shared insider stories of the Gerald R. Ford and George W. Bush Administrations. Cheney's daughter, Liz, moderated the conversation which touched on Cheney detailing his time as a young man before President Ford changed his life and appointed him to serve in his White House. Cheney would become the youngest White House Chief of Staff, following his friend Don Rumsfeld in the position, when Rumsfeld was appointed Secretary of Defense. For 40 years, Dick Cheney would serve in public office, having been in several posts in the Nixon and Ford White House, serving in the U.S. House of Representatives as a Congressman from Wyoming, Secretary of Defense for the George H. W. Bush Administration and Vice President of the United States.

Frank G. Zarb visited the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan on September 20, 2011 to speak on "Our Most Important Policy Failure: Energy". Zarb started and ended his remarks with this question: Will political leaders ever be able to take short-term pain, for the long-term good of our nation? Zarb spoke on OPEC's 1973 oil embargo and how it devastated the US in numerous ways including decreasing the GDP, increasing unemployment, gas stations running out of fuel and the federal government taking control of how Americans buy gasoline and heat their homes. Zarb worked closely with President Gerald R. Ford to build an Energy Plan that would successful move the US away from its reliance on foreign sources of energy, much of which comes from the Middle East. Touching on politics and elections, Zarb questions the leadership of many in elected office, how our relationships in the Middle East are based on protecting our sources of energy and how the US would be different had the Ford Energy Plan been approved.

On July 8, 2011, Mrs. Betty Ford passed away at 93 years of age. She died peacefully at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California. Family and Friends gathered at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Palm Springs, California. Eulogists included Jack Ford, Cokie Roberts, Geoff Mason and Rosalynn Carter. Guests included former President George W. Bush, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, former First Lady Hillary Clinton, First Lady Michelle Obama and former First Lady Nancy Reagan. Following the Church Service, the casket of Mrs. Betty Ford was placed aboard a U.S. Air Force plane and traveled with the Ford Family to Grand Rapids, Michigan.

On July 8, 2011, Mrs. Betty Ford passed away at 93 years of age. She died peacefully at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California. Throughout the Remembrance Week, thousands paid respect to her legacy by providing memorial tributes including flowers, candle, cards and gifts. Condolence books were also available at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, MI & at the Presidential Library in Ann Arbor, MI.

On July 8, 2011, Mrs. Betty Ford passed away at 93 years of age. She died peacefully at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California. After the Church Service in Rancho Mirage, Mrs. Ford's casket and the Ford Family were flown to Grand Rapids, Michigan. Upon arrival to "Betty's Hometown", the Funeral Procession traveled to the Gerald R. Ford Museum for a Prayer Service with Family and Friends. Afterwards, Mrs. Ford's casket lay in repose throughout the evening and following morning. Thousands traveled to the Museum to pay their final respects to one of America's most beloved First Lady.

On July 8, 2011, Mrs. Betty Ford passed away at 93 years of age. She died peacefully at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California. Family and Friends gathered at Grace Episcopal Church in East Grand Rapids, the same place were Gerald and Betty were married in October of 1948. Eulogists included Lynn Cheney, Richard Norton Smith and Steve Ford. Guests included Barbara Bush, Dick & Lynne Cheney, Bill Clinton, Amb. of Japan Ichiro Fujisaki, Don & Joyce Rumsfeld, Gen. Brent Scowcroft and Richard Norton Smith. Mrs. Betty Ford's interment at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum concluded the Remembrance Week and joined Betty with Gerald at the gravesite.

On May 3, 2011, U.S. Congressional members joined with Friends and Family for the Statue Dedication of President Gerald R. Ford. Speaker John Boehner welcomed guests to the U.S. Capitol Rotunda ceremony. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Gov. Rick Snyder, Sen. Mitch McConnell and former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger provided remarks. Susan Ford Bales and Steve Ford spoke on behalf of the Ford Family. Gerald R. Ford served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1949 until 1973 when he would become U.S. Vice President.

On May 3, 2011, U.S. Congressional members joined with Friends and Family for the Statue Dedication of President Gerald R. Ford. The statue now resides in the Capitol Rotunda, and is one of two statues from the State of Michigan. Gerald R. Ford served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1949 until 1973 when he would become U.S. Vice President.

Following the Gerald R. Ford Statue Dedication in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, guests attended the 2011 Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation Awards Dinner honoring William T. Coleman in Statuary Hall. Steve Ford, Mike Ford and Susan Ford Bales hosted the dinner in the U.S. Capitol. Speaker of the House John Boehner and Michigan Governor Rick Synder provided remarks. William T. Coleman was honored as the 2011 Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service Recipient for his service to the nation and support of the Foundation. Coleman served as the first African American U.S. Supreme Court clerk, co-author of the legal brief in Brown v. Board of Education, served in various leadership positions for the NAACP, member of President Eisenhower's Committee on Government Employment Policy and member of the U.S. delegation to the 24th session of the United Nations General Assembly. President Gerald R. Ford appointed Coleman as the Secretary of Transportation and President Clinton presented Coleman with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1995.

On March 7, 2011, Donald Rumsfeld, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, U.S. Congressman and White House Chief of Staff, visited Grand Rapids to talk about his book “Known and Unknown”. Rumsfeld spoke freely about his time with President Ford and behind-the-scenes of the Bush Administration.  Steve Ford introduced Rumsfeld to yet another overflow crowd of Friends of Ford members and Foundation Trustees. Richard Norton Smith, Presidential Historian, served as moderator.

On December 2, 2010, George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States, visited the Gerald. R. Ford Presidential Museum and spoke about his new book "Decision Points". President Bush provided insights into his memoir, discussing his point-of-view regarding the 2000 election results, 9/11, the War on Terrorism, responding to Hurricane Katrina and other historic decisions that encompassed his time in the Oval Office.

Betty Ford: An Extraordinary Life is the newest exhibit, exclusively at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Pulling from its strengths, the exhibit features those items that speak to Mrs. Ford's unique life - from her Grand Rapids upbringing to a career in fashion and dance, to helping millions with breast cancer awareness. Included in the exhibit are dresses she wore and gifts she received.

Gerald Ford stated during his Inaugural Address from The White House that " I am indebted to no man, but to one women, my dear wife". Gerald and Betty would live through his years as a U.S. Congressman representing Grand Rapids, Michigan, as Speaker of the House and as Vice President. Those years together helped them and the Ford Family prepare for their time in the White House. As First Lady, Betty Ford believed in speaking on her beliefs, even those different from her husband's. Betty Ford helped raise public awareness of screening and treatment options for breast cancer and gives comfort to countless women fighting the disease. She also expressed regret that discrimination and equal opportunities for women were still far from realized and she encourages all women to work for passage of the Equal Rights Amendment. “Being a lady does not require silence,” she exhorted.

Steve and Dick Ford host an evening at the Gerald R. Ford Museum in Grand Rapids talking about Gerald R. Ford and his early years. Rick Albin, from WOOD TV Grand Rapids, moderated the conversation, which recalled the life and leadership of our nation's 38th President. Steve was Gerald R. Ford's son and Dick was Ford's brother.

Gerald R. Ford was sworn in as the 38th President on August 9, 1974 after the resignation of Richard Nixon. In his swearing-in remarks, Ford announces “Our long, national nightmare is over.” President Ford would serve with "Integrity at the Helm", helping America to heal from the Nixon White House. President Ford spoke at his first Joint Session of Congress that "its time to get to work". At home, the unemployment rate was raising, the U.S. dollar was devaluing and across the country many wanted the war in Vietnam to end. Abroad, President Ford would become the first sitting U.S. President to visit Japan, signed the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks Treaty with USSR, and helped thousand evacuate Vietnam. President Ford did not ask for the enormous responsibility of becoming President of the United States, but he would not shirk from it.

Art is the focus of the competition, but the main event is community, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Artists take over the city, visitors explore and new relationships form. Communities open to new ideas organically. Part arts festival, part social experiment--this international contest is decided solely by public vote.

Keeping with tradition, the Ford Family joined friends at the tomb of Gerald R. Ford on his birthday, July 14th, 2010. In commemoration of his birthday, individual wreaths from President Barak Obama, Mrs. Betty Ford and the Ford family were placed at President Ford’s Tomb on the grounds of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The birthday wreath laying is an annual tradition conducted by the Ford family each July 14 and is part of a long-standing tradition in which the President of the United States sends a wreath to the tomb of each deceased president on that president’s birthday. Mrs. Ford and the Ford family also have their personal wreaths presented. President Ford passed away on December 26, 2006.

After becoming President in August of 1974, President Ford "got right to work". One of President Ford’s greatest strengths as a leader was his self-confidence and sense of security around others. President Ford would remark years after leaving The White House that America was better because of the people of his administration including William Coleman, Henry Kissinger and Alan Greenspan. President Ford would participate in numerous events as President, including one that he was honored to take part in, America's 1976 Bi-Centennial.

After the Wreath Laying Ceremony at Gerald R. Ford's gravesite on July 14, 2010, the Gerald R. Ford Foundation hosted its annual Luncheon in Grand Rapids, MI. The honored guest was the Ambassador of Japan, HIs Excellency Ichiro Fujisaki. Ambassador Fujisaki's visit to the Gerald R. Ford Museum was part of his American tour during the summer of 2010. Doug DeVos hosted the Luncheon, Susan Ford Bales provided a message from the Ford Family and Hank Meijer provided a special gift to the Ambassador. Ambassador Fujisaki visited the Gerald R. Ford Museum to "pay respects to President Ford for how he befriended Japan and the Japanese people". Ambassador Fujisaki stated that "President Ford was the first sitting U.S. President to visit Japan, and that every President since Ford has now visited Japan". He added that "Ford is respected in Japan for his foreign affairs efforts with Japan, his friendship with the Emperor and Empress of Japan, his presidential proclamation admitting regret for the U.S. imprisonment of Japanese Americans during World War II and bridging relations after the Nixon Administration's dealings with China". The Ambassador also shared his personal story of participating as a young diplomat during President Ford's visit to Japan, as an interpreter. Ambassador Fujisaki also received a U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) Aircraft Carrier commemorative medal.

President Gerald R. Ford believed that working hand in hand could help solve any problem. On his visit to Vladivostok, USSR, to sign the treaty for Strategic Arms Limitations Talks with General Secretary Leonid Breshnev, Ford gave Breshnev his wolf skin coat, as Breshnev commented how much he like it. President Ford would visit numerous foreign countries during his Presidency and host numerous world leaders, including England's Queen Elizabeth during the 1976 Bi-Centennial celebrations. Ford would also become the first sitting U.S. President to visit Japan.

The 2010 Annual Dinner was held in Washington, D.C. to honor the 2010 Distinguished Public Service Award Recipient, Dr. Hency Kissinger and for the Ford Family to pay a special tribute to Dr. Alan Greenspan.

President Gerald R. Ford was not elected as Vice President or President. During the campaign of 1976 he worked tirelessly to change that. President Ford believed that his policies were helping to turn America around, that he helped heal the nation following the turbulent early part of the 1970s and that he could lead the country into a better time. In 1976, President Ford edged out Republican California Governor Ronald Regan for the republican nomination, having won and delivering his historic Republican National Convention speech. President Ford would pick Senator Bob Dole from Kansas as his running mate. President Ford would campaign across the country and participate in three debates with democratic nominee Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter. President Ford would lose the Electoral College 297-240 and receives 39,147,793 votes (48% of the votes cast) to Governor Carter’s 40,830,763 (50.1% of the votes cast). In his inaugural address, President Jimmy Carter stated, “For myself and for our Nation, I want to thank my predecessor for all he has done to heal our land.”

The annual outdoor tree lighting ceremony at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum kicks off the holiday season in Grand Rapids. Each year, the Museum hosts the ceremony with holiday themed lights, songs and entertainment and refreshments. This outdoor event along the Grand River is a must and admission to the ceremony and museum is free.

Henry Kissinger and Gerald R. Ford were more than just colleagues, they were close friends. During their time working together they lead the country through some of the most historic events of the 1970's. Some of Kissinger's work included the first ever visit to Japan by a sitting President; the S.A.L.T. treaty with General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev in Vladivostok, USSR; Evacuation of Saigon; and the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe meeting in Helsiki, Finland. Kissinger served as the U.S. Secretary of State of President Gerald R. Ford, having been appointed by President Richard Nixon.

President Gerald R. Ford died at his California home on December 26, 2006. He was 93 years old. The Ford Family announced to the nation that funeral ceremonies would be held in Palm Desert, California; Washington, D.C.; and Grand Rapids, Michigan. President George W. Bush proclaimed a National Day of Mourning for Gerald R. Ford, in honor and tribute to President Ford and to join together in solemn observance. At the conclusion of funeral services at St. Margaret’s Church in Palm Desert, California, President Ford’s body was flown to Washington, D.C.

President Gerald R. Ford died at his California home on December 26, 2006. He was 93 years old. The Ford Family announced to the nation that funeral ceremonies would be held in Palm Desert, California; Washington, D.C.; and Grand Rapids, Michigan. After ceremonies in Palm Desert, California, President Ford’s body was flown to Washington, D.C. An arrival ceremony greeted the casket and family at Andrews Air Force Base. Driving to the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, the funeral procession drives to Alexandria, Virginia and past the Ford’s former home. The procession also pauses for a ceremony at the World War II Veteran’s Memorial in Washington, D.C., honoring President Ford's service in the U.S. Navy during World War II. President Ford's casket would lie in state at the U.S. Capital Rotunda and a ceremony was held to honor Ford's time in the U.S. House of Representatives. Funeral services were held for President Ford at the National Cathedral. Eulogies are given by President George W. Bush, Former President George H.W. Bush, Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, and Journalist Tom Brokaw. Following the service, President Ford’s body is flown back to Grand Rapids to lie in repose and for services.

President Gerald R. Ford died at his California home on December 26, 2006. He was 93 years old. The Ford Family announced to the nation that funeral ceremonies would be held in Palm Desert, California; Washington, D.C.; and Grand Rapids, Michigan. After leaving Washington, D.C., Air Force One flies past the University of Michigan 'Big House' football field, in honor of Ford's time as an All-American football with the Michigan Wolverines. Arriving in Grand Rapids, the University of Michigan band participates in the 'Welcome Home' ceremony for Gerald R. Ford, which includes a 21-Gun Salute. The funeral procession drives from the airport to the Gerald R. Ford President Museum in downtown Grand Rapids. Along the way, thousands wave to the procession, standing in the cold to wave goodbye to President Ford. After a ceremony in the Museum, the casket would lie in state, as the public could observe a moment of respect for President Ford. The Ford Family would greet the public throughout the night and into the morning. Funeral services are held for President Ford at Grace Episcopal Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. During the service, eulogies are given by Former President Jimmy Carter, Former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, and Historian Richard Norton Smith. Following the service, President Ford is interred on the grounds of his Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Vice President Dick Cheney presented Betty Ford with the U.S. Flag in honor of Ford's service to this country during World War II and throughout his life.

On November 14, 2009 in Newport News, VA, Susan Ford Bales joined family, friends, officials and former Ford Administration members during the Keel Laying Ceremony for the U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford CVN-78 Aircraft Carrier. Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding is responsible for the ship, scheduled for launch in 2013. Susan, as tradition calls for a female to be the sponsor of the ship, wrote her initials on a steel plate, and then watched as a welder traced over the letters. The plate would then be attached to the hull. In January of 2007, Secretary of Navy Donald Winters joined the Ford family and Vice President Dick Cheney in announcing that Gerald R. Ford would be the name of the newest class of super carriers and that the U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford CVN-78 would be the name of the first aircraft carrier. Gerald R. Ford served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander, having served on the U.S.S. Monterey.

In commemoration of the 96th birthday of President Gerald R. Ford, individual wreaths from President Barak Obama and from Mrs. Betty Ford and the Ford family were placed at President Ford’s Tomb on the grounds of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan during a ceremony on July 19, 2009. The ceremony included Major General Thomas G. Cutler, Adjutant General, Michigan National Guard, who presented the wreath from President Obama. Dick Ford, President Ford’s brother, and Fred Meijer, Doug DeVos and Steve Van Andel, close friends of Mrs. Betty Ford and the Ford family, presented the personal wreaths from Mrs. Ford. Susan Ford Bales and her husband Vaden Bales, President and and Mrs.’s Ford’s daughter and son-in-law, presented a wreath from the Ford children and grandchildren. “To mother and my family, today’s Wreath Laying Ceremony here at Dad’s Tomb and the words you see upon his tomb represent in a very personal way the boundless love he gave to Mother and me and my brothers and the similar degree of lasting friendships he shared with many of you here in Grand Rapids,” said Susan Ford Bales, daughter of President and Mrs. Ford. This year’s ceremony was organized by Mrs. Ford and the family. It is an annual tradition conducted by the Ford family each July 14 and is part of a long-standing tradition in which the President of the United States sends a wreath to the tomb of each deceased president on that president’s birthday. Mrs. Ford and the Ford family also have their personal wreaths presented.

Susan Ford Bales hosted the 2009 Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation Annual Dinner in Washington, D.C. at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel on June 1. Henry Kissinger was honored for his service to the nation and support of the Foundation. The Ford Family presented him with two special gifts and a video with pictures from Kissinger's time in the Ford White House. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens was acknowledged as the 2009 Recipient of the Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service. President Ford nominated Stevens for the Supreme Court in 1975. Jack Ford presented the award by adding how the nation has benefited from Justice Stevens commitment to the highest ideals of justice and integrity.

In June 2007, President Ford's four children joined Postmaster General Jack Potter to unveil the stamp image honoring their father and the nation's 38th president during the annual Gerald R. Ford Foundation Dinner in Washington, D.C. Unveiling the Ford stamp were PMG Jack Potter, Vice President Dick Cheney, Susan Ford Bales, Steven Ford, Jack Ford and Michael Ford. The 41-cent commemorative stamp was issued nationwide Aug. 31, following special stamp dedication ceremonies in Rancho Mirage, CA, and at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, MI. Throughout his nearly three decades of public service, Gerald Ford gave so much to this nation, Potter said before an audience of nearly 200 who served with Ford during his congressional and White House years. This stamp personifies his strong character as an unselfish individual who helped bring the nation together at a critical time in our history. The stamp art is a portrait of Ford painted by award-winning artist Michael Deas, who has produced several stamp images for the Postal Service. His work also has appeared on the cover of Time magazine.