Gerald Ford

Gerald Ford, originally named Leslie Lynch King Jr., was born on January 14, 1913, in Omaha, Nebraska. His name was later changed to Gerald Ford Jr. after his mother married Gerald Ford, Sr.

Gerald R. Ford Jr., the nation’s only unelected president and vice president, was born Leslie Lynch King Jr. in Omaha, Nebraska, on July 14, 1913, the year his parents, Leslie and Dorothy King, divorced.

Gerald Ford was a standout high school athlete and football player and went on to play for the University of Michigan, where he earned individual accolades, won two national championships, and received offers to play professionally.

Gerald R. Ford Jr.'s name was legally changed to Gerald R. Ford on December 3, 1935.

In the summer of 1936, Gerald R. Ford, Jr. legally changes his name.

In the summer of 1937, Ford attends law classes at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

In February 1938, Ford is accepted to Yale University Law School and begins classes in the fall.

On March 12, 1940, Ford appears in a photograph spread in Look Magazine with then-girlfriend Phyllis Brown.

In May 1941, Gerald Ford returned to Grand Rapids and established a law firm with his friend Philip Buchen. The firm was located in Suite 621 of the Michigan Trust Building. Ford also became involved in local politics, supporting a reform group that opposed the Republican political machine of Frank D. McKay.

In February 1942, following the U.S. entry into World War II, Gerald Ford volunteered for the Navy. He was initially assigned to the Navy’s V-5 pre-flight program in Annapolis, Maryland, where he trained to become a physical training instructor. Later, he was stationed in Chapel Hill, North Carolina as an athletic training officer.

Gerald Ford survives a typhoon in the Pacific that batters the USS Monterey on December 18, 1944, during his service as the ship’s athletic officer and one of the ship’s gunnery officers in the Battle of Makin and attacks against Kwajalein, Eniwetok, New Guinea, Saipan, Guam, and Formosa.

In spring 1945, Gerald Ford is promoted to Lieutenant Commander and assigned to Glenview, Illinois, to train new naval officers for sea duty.

In February 1946, Gerald Ford is honorably discharged from active duty in the United States Navy after being awarded several medals for his service during World War II.

In August 1947, Ford is introduced to Elizabeth (Betty) Bloomer Warren by mutual friends.

On June 14, 1948, Ford announces his candidacy for the Republican nomination for U.S. House of Representatives, challenging the isolationist foreign policy approach of the incumbent Bartel Jonkman, a McKay associate.

On September 14, 1948, Ford defeats Jonkman 23,632 to 14,341 in the Republican primary for the U.S. House of Representatives, Fifth Congressional District of Michigan.

Gerald Ford married Elizabeth Bloomer Warren on October 15, 1948, after being introduced by friends. They had four children and shortly after the wedding, Ford was elected to the House of Representatives, marking the beginning of his political career.

Ford is elected to his first term as a U.S. Congressman from Grand Rapids, receiving 60.5% of the vote.

Ford is sworn in as a member of the Eighty-First Congress. During his first year in the House, he is assigned to the Public Works Committee. He is also invited to tour the White House by President Harry S. Truman and helps organize the 'Chowder and Marching Club' of young Republican Congressmen with fellow House member Richard Nixon.

Michael Gerald Ford, the first child of the Fords, was born on November 7, 1950.

In January 1951, Ford won his second term as Congressman from the fifth district with 66% of the vote.

John Gardner “Jack” Ford, the second son of the Fords, was born on March 16, 1952.

On November 4, 1952, Ford won his third term as Congressman from Grand Rapids with 66% of the vote.

In August 1953, Gerald Ford embarked on a three-week tour of U.S. military installations in Asia and the Pacific. During this tour, he visited Saigon in French Indochina and witnessed a POW exchange in Korea.

On November 4, 1954, Gerald Ford won his fourth term as Congressman after declining a run for the U.S. Senate.

Gerald Ford's third son, Steven Meigs Ford, is born on May 19, 1956.

Gerald Ford wins the election to his fifth term as Congressman on November 6, 1956, after declining an opportunity to run for Michigan Governor.

Gerald Ford's youngest child, Susan Elizabeth Ford, is born on July 6, 1957.

Gerald Ford wins his sixth term as U.S. Congressman on November 4, 1958.

In January 1959, Gerald Ford joins his Republican colleagues in replacing their House leader Joseph Martin with Charles Halleck.

In September 1959, Gerald Ford spends 3 days touring Moscow and 10 days in Poland on fact-finding missions.

The Michigan delegation at the Republican Convention in Chicago backs Ford as a favorite son candidate for Richard Nixon’s running mate.

Ford's stepfather, Gerald Ford, Sr., passes away in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Ford is re-elected to his eighth term in Congress, despite declining Republican numbers in the House.

In a Republican caucus revolution led by Congressmen Charles Goodell and Robert Griffin, Ford wins against Charles Hoeven of Iowa for House Republican Conference Chairman.

Gerald Ford wins his tenth election as Congressman with 68 percent of the vote, while Republicans make strong gains in the mid-term elections.

On September 17, 1967, Gerald Ford's mother, Dorothy Gardner Ford, dies in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

After Richard Nixon's nomination, Gerald Ford recommends New York City Mayor John Lindsay as a running mate in discussions with Nixon. However, Nixon ultimately selects Maryland Governor Spiro Agnew.

Richard Nixon is elected President, while Gerald Ford is elected to his eleventh term as a House member.

In a speech on the House floor, Gerald Ford urges the removal of Justice William O. Douglas from the Supreme Court due to what Ford perceives as inappropriate judicial conduct. The issue is later referred to the House Judiciary Committee and eventually fades away.

Building upon President Nixon’s trip to the People’s Republic of China, Ford and Congressman Hale Boggs of Louisiana visit and meet with Premier Chou En-Lai (Zhou Enlai). This visit was significant in the context of U.S.-China relations during the Cold War.

Ford is elected to his thirteenth and final term as a Congressman from Michigan. Despite Nixon’s landslide victory, the Republicans do not gain many House seats. This event marked a significant point in Ford's political career.

Realizing he may never achieve his goal to become Speaker of the House, Ford contemplates retirement after 1976. This contemplation eventually led to Ford's decision to retire from Congress and pursue other political opportunities.

Gerald Ford accepts the position of Vice Presidency following the resignation of Spiro T. Agnew.

Richard Nixon nominates Gerald Ford to be Vice President, making him the first Vice President nominated under the 25th amendment to the Constitution.

The House Judiciary Committee starts hearings on Gerald Ford's nomination as Vice President.

The Senate approves Gerald Ford's nomination as Vice President by a vote of 92-3.

Following his confirmation by the House and the Senate, Gerald Ford takes the Oath of Office as Vice President. He famously declares, 'I am a Ford, not a Lincoln.'

President Ford signed the Trade Act of 1974, emphasizing the American commitment to an open world economic order and interdependence for mutual economic health.

President Ford appointed a Blue Ribbon panel, led by Vice President Rockefeller, to conduct a review of CIA activities.

Nixon’s Chief of Staff, Al Haig, advises Vice President Ford to prepare for a transition to the Presidency, indicating the escalating crisis within the administration.

Ford attends a cabinet meeting and informs Nixon that he will continue to support his policies but can no longer address the issue of Watergate in public or to the media.

Gerald R. Ford is sworn in as the thirty-eighth President of the United States.

Gerald Ford became the 38th President of the United States after Richard Nixon's resignation.

Ford addresses a Joint Session of Congress, emphasizing the need to bring inflation under control as his first priority and expressing his desire for a productive relationship with Congress.

Ford selects Nelson A. Rockefeller, the former Governor of New York, as his vice president.

President Ford expresses concern about inflation and declares his opposition to excessive spending during this period.

President Ford signed a bill with great pleasure, substituting a single block grant for community development for seven categorical programs, which was considered of historic significance.

Ford nominates Nelson Rockefeller, former Governor of New York, to be Vice President.

Ford pardons Richard Nixon for any crimes he may have committed as President, causing a significant drop in his approval rating.

President Ford grants a full pardon to former President Nixon in an effort to heal the political division caused by the impeachment. However, this decision faces disapproval from many Americans.

On September 18, 1974, the President addressed the 29th session of an event.

President Ford announced the appointment of Ronald H. Nessen as his Press Secretary.

Ford announces his Whip Inflation Now program to a joint session of Congress.

President Ford delivers a speech to the Joint session of Congress, outlining proposals to reduce reliance on foreign oil, increase food production, and combat inflation through the 'Whip Inflation Now' plan.

President Ford signs the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, establishing three new entities, including the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which takes over the licensing and regulation of nuclear facilities.

Gerald Ford provided a lengthy statement regarding the pardon of Richard Nixon and responded to questions from Committee members. His appearance for testimony was a rare occurrence, with only Abraham Lincoln and Woodrow Wilson having done so while in office.

President Ford traveled to Nogales, Mexico to meet with Mexican President Luis Echeverria on October 21, 1974.

On November 1, 1974, Gerald Ford met with ailing Richard Nixon in a Long Beach, California hospital.

President Ford signs the Federal Elections Campaign Act of 1974, a significant effort to reform campaign finance, marking the most substantial attempt since the 1920s.

On November 17, 1974, President Ford departed for a historic visit to Japan, marking the first visit by an American President to the country, as well as visits to South Korea and the Soviet Union.

President Ford vetoed the Vocational Rehabilitation Act Amendments, citing concerns about inappropriate administration and blurred accountability. However, his veto was overridden on November 21, 1974, marking the first of 12 veto overrides during his presidency.

President Ford departs for a historic visit to Japan, marking the first visit to that country by an American President. He also visits South Korea and the Soviet Union during this trip.

During a meeting in Vladivostok, U.S.S.R, Ford and Brezhnev make progress towards a 10-year pact to limit offensive nuclear weapons.

Ford announces the details of an agreement reached with Brezhnev, which establishes a firm ceiling on the arms race.

The Senate confirmed the President's nomination of Nelson A. Rockefeller as Vice President on December 10, 1974.

After returning from the visit to Japan, Korea, and USSR, the President meets with French President Giscard d’Estaing in Martinique.

On December 16, 1974, President Ford and French President Giscard d'Estaing announced their plan for the two countries to coordinate energy policies.

Following the U.S. Steel Corporation decision to raise prices 10 percent, President Ford ordered the Wage and Price Control Council to investigate and obtain justification for such action on December 17, 1974.

President Ford meets with Leonid Brezhnev, General Secretary of the Communist Party of the U.S.S.R., in Vladivostok, U.S.S.R.

President Ford signs the Privacy Act of 1974 into law, which aims to safeguard individual privacy from the misuse of federal records.

President Ford chooses Bob Dole as his running mate instead of Nelson.

President Ford appoints a Blue Ribbon panel, chaired by Vice President Rockefeller, to review CIA activities within the United States in response to allegations made in a December New York Times article by Seymour Hersh.

President Ford signed an executive order to establish a National Commission on the Observance of International Women's Year, 1975.

President Ford delivers a “fireside chat” to the nation, outlining his proposals to fight inflation, the economic recession, and energy dependence.

The President announced his intention to nominate Edward H. Levi as Attorney General and William T. Coleman, Jr. as Secretary of Transportation.

President Ford delivered his State of the Union message before a joint session of Congress, expressing the state of the union as 'not good' and calling for support.

On January 24, 1975, President Ford underwent his annual physical examination and proudly announced that he passed with flying colors.

As North Vietnamese Army Divisions advance towards Saigon, President Ford appeals to Congress for financial aid for South Vietnam and Cambodia, but his request is unsuccessful. Two Democratic representatives walk out in protest during the speech.

President Ford announces his reluctant decision to sign the Tax Reduction Act of 1975, which includes a $22.8 billion tax cut.

The US renounces the use of herbicides and riot control agents in war through Executive Order 11850.

The communist Khmer Rouge successfully advance on the capital Phnom Penh, leading to the takeover of Cambodia on April 17, 1975.

President Ford urged Congress to extend the General Revenue Sharing program on April 25.

As Saigon falls to Communist forces, President Ford orders the emergency evacuation of American personnel and high-risk South Vietnamese nationals on April 28, 1975.

President Ford withdraws troops from Cambodia after addressing Congress about America's duty to the world.

Newly Communist Cambodia seizes the U.S. merchant ship, Mayaguez, on May 12, 1975. In response, President Ford orders Marines to rescue the ship's crew.

Marines move onto Koh Tang, an island off the shore of Cambodia in search of captured sailors of the Mayaguez. Fierce fighting results in the death of fifteen Marines, but the sailors are not found. President Ford orders airstrikes on the Cambodian mainland. The crew of the Mayaguez is eventually released at 10:35 PM.

Communist Cambodia seizes the U.S. merchant ship Mayaguez in international waters, prompting Ford to order Marines to rescue the ship’s crew. The action results in the safe recovery of the civilians and averts a long hostage crisis, but unfortunately, many Marines die. This event signals U.S. resolve despite the defeat in Vietnam.

President Ford's daughter, Susan, hosted her senior prom at the White House, which was the first time such an event took place in White House history.

President Ford establishes the President Ford Committee to manage his 1976 nomination for the presidential election.

Ford formally announces his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination in 1976.

Ford departs on a trip to Europe for visits to West Germany, Poland, Finland, Romania, and Yugoslavia. In Helsinki, Ford joins leaders of 34 nations in signing the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. The Act’s human rights provisions greatly help East Europeans seeking an end to their communist regimes.

Ford oversaw the signing of the Helsinki accords, aimed at bringing the United States and Western Europe closer with communist countries in Eastern Europe.

President Ford embarks on his second trip to Europe and signs the Helsinki Accords, an agreement on European security and cooperation.

President Ford announces a joint Egyptian-Israeli agreement on troop disengagement in the Sinai Peninsula, following 34 days of shuttle diplomacy by Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.

Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme attempts to assassinate President Ford in San Francisco, highlighting the security challenges faced by the President during this time.

Sara Jane Moore, a woman with ties to left-wing radical groups, attempts to assassinate President Ford in San Francisco, California.

A shot was fired at the President as he left a hotel in San Francisco.

President Ford refuses aid to New York City, a decision that sparked controversy and had significant implications for the city's financial situation.

Henry Kissinger resigns as National Security adviser but retains the position of Secretary of State. Additionally, William Colby is dismissed as director of Central Intelligence, and James Schlesinger is removed as Secretary of Defense, all on the same day.

President refused New York City’s request for federal aid, stating that they should not pass their inability to budget unto the federal government.

President Ford reorganizes his cabinet, appointing key figures such as Donald Rumsfeld as Defense Secretary, Elliot Richardson as Commerce Secretary, George Bush as CIA Director, and Richard Cheney as White House Chief of Staff. This event also sees Vice President Nelson Rockefeller withdrawing from consideration as Ford's 1976 running mate.

President Gerald Ford attends an economic summit at Rambouillet, France with other world leaders including President Valery Giscard d’Estaing of France, Chancellor Helmut Schmidt of West Germany, Prime Minister Aldo Moro of Italy, Prime Minister Takeo Miki of Japan, and Prime Minister Harold Wilson of the United Kingdom.

Former California Governor Ronald Reagan announces his intention to challenge Gerald Ford for the Republican presidential nomination in 1976.

President Ford allows Congress to provide a line of credit to New York City after he believes the city leaders have taken sufficient steps to address the financial crisis. This decision comes after Ford's initial refusal to support Federal help for New York during its budget crisis.

President Ford seeks $2.3 billion in U.S. loans for New York City to prevent default, citing a new spirit of cooperation by New York officials. The trade surplus continues to grow, with exports exceeding imports by $1.08 billion in October, and productivity is on the rise.

President Gerald Ford nominates Judge John Paul Stevens of the Seventh Circuit of the Court of Appeals in Chicago to the United States Supreme Court to replace retiring Justice William O. Douglas. The Senate unanimously approves Stevens by a 98-0 vote.

President Ford embarks on visits to the People's Republic of China, the Philippines, and Indonesia, demonstrating the United States' diplomatic engagement with key Asian nations during this period.

During his visit to China, President Ford holds meetings with Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping and Chairman Mao Zedong in an effort to normalize relations between the United States and China.

Following a tax increase and an agreement preventing New York City from default, Ford requests $2.3 billion in U.S. loans for the city.

President Ford expresses his opposition to the Tunney Amendments, which were passed by the Senate and aimed at prohibiting funding for US activities in the Angolan Civil War.

On January 3, 1976, President Ford vetoed the common situs picketing bill.

On January 6, 1976, the Administration announced that the President would name Anne L. Armstrong as Ambassador to the Court of St. James.

On January 19, 1976, President Gerald Ford delivered a State of the Union address, outlining the present state of affairs and the administration's goals for the coming year.

Ford delivers his State of the Union address to the nation.

The Supreme Court rules that campaign spending limits violated the First Amendment in the case of the Federal Election Campaign Act.

President Ford announces a reorganization of the government's intelligence community.

President Ford sent a treaty to the Senate for ratification, allowing the continuation of U.S. use of military bases in Spain.

President Ford imposes limits on U.S. surveillance of citizens' lives.

President Ford secures victory over Ronald Reagan in the New Hampshire primary, capturing 51 percent of the vote.

President Ford sends a special message to Congress proposing legislation to consolidate Medicaid and 15 categorical Federal health programs into a $10 billion block grant to the States.

Gerald Ford narrowly defeats Ronald Reagan by 1,250 votes in the New Hampshire primary, securing 17 of the 21 delegates. This victory marks the beginning of a series of primary wins for Ford, followed by some losses to Reagan in other states.

Under pressure from Reagan and conservative Republicans, President Ford agrees not to use the word 'détente' in relation to U.S.S.R.-U.S. relations.

President Ford introduces a bill aimed at significantly reducing Federal electronic surveillance of American citizens.

President Ford appeals to Congress for additional funding to produce a vaccine to combat swine influenza.

Gerald Ford sends a message to Congress seeking a special appropriation for the National Swine Flu Immunization Program. The measure is later signed into law on August 12, 1976.

President Ford warns that he will reject any military spending bill that he considers insufficient.

President Ford settles a disagreement between government agencies by deciding to rapidly build the nation's first strategic oil reserve as a safeguard against potential foreign embargoes.

President Ford decides to build up the country's strategic oil reserve to protect the United States from another foreign embargo.

President Ford asks Congress to accept a timetable for extensive reform of the government's regulatory program and agencies.

President Ford becomes the first President since Harry Truman to campaign by train as he crosses southern Michigan prior to the primary there.

President Ford approves congressional revisions in the Federal Elections Commission and Federal Election Campaign Act to permit resumption of federal check-off subsidies for all presidential campaigns.

President Ford signs a treaty with the Soviet Union limiting underground nuclear testing.

In June 19, 1976, President Ford addressed Congress with a special message outlining a program aimed at combating crime.

President Ford orders the evacuation of Americans from Lebanon.

President Ford vetoed the Federal Coal Leasing Amendments Bill, citing concerns about the expansion of sharing Federal Leasing revenues. However, the veto was overridden, and the bill became law on August 4, 1976.

The nation celebrates its 200th birthday with various events and President Ford delivers a speech at Valley Forge and Independence Hall.

President Ford danced with Queen Elizabeth II during a State Dinner in her honor, coinciding with the yearlong celebration of America’s Bicentennial.

On July 15, 1976, President Ford sent a message praising the joint space mission between Soviet cosmonauts and American astronauts as a significant step in international space cooperation.

On July 19, 1976, President Ford officially declared his candidacy for the upcoming election, marking the beginning of his campaign.

From August 15 to 18, 1976, President Ford received his first visit by a foreign head of state, King Hussein of Jordan. This visit marked an important diplomatic milestone during Ford's presidency.

On August 17, 1976, President Ford signed The Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Act, marking his first legislation as president. The act aimed to address issues related to forest and rangeland management.

The 1976 Republican National Convention took place, where Gerald Ford was nominated as the Republican candidate for the presidential election.

On August 19, 1976, Gerald Ford accepted the nomination for President of the Republican Party after a challenging primary against Ronald Reagan. Ford narrowly beat Reagan on the first ballot by a vote of 1187 – 1070.

James A. Baker becomes Ford's campaign manager.

President Ford signs the Government in the Sunshine Act, which mandates that many government regulatory agencies must provide advance notice of meetings and conduct open meetings. The act also amends the Freedom of Information Act by limiting agencies' ability to withhold information from the public.

President Ford starts his general election campaign at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

President Ford signs the “sunshine” law and vetoes government funding for a prototype electrical automobile engine, but Congress and the Senate override the veto soon thereafter.

The first presidential candidate debate between President Ford and Governor Jimmy Carter takes place in Philadelphia, marking the first such debate since the Nixon-Kennedy debates in 1960.

During a presidential debate, President Ford made a famous political gaffe by claiming that several Eastern European countries were not dominated by the Soviet Union, causing controversy and criticism.

A Gallup poll shows Ford reducing the gap between Carter and himself to 6 percent.

The second presidential candidate debate, focusing on foreign policy and defense issues, occurs in San Francisco. President Ford's comment about Soviet domination of Eastern Europe becomes a major topic of discussion.

The third and final presidential candidate debate takes place in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Jimmy Carter wins the presidential election, defeating President Ford with 55% of the Electoral College and 50.1% of the popular vote.

Ford concedes the Presidential election to Jimmy Carter of Georgia. Ford loses the Electoral College 297-240 and receives 39,147,793 votes (48% of the votes cast) to Carter’s 40,830,763 (50.1% of the votes cast).

On December 7, 1976, President Ford announced a Pacific Doctrine in Honolulu, emphasizing 'peace with all and hostility toward none.'

Ford sends a letter to the Archivist of the United States and the President of the University of Michigan offering to deposit his papers in a Presidential Library to be built on the University of Michigan campus.

On December 17, 1976, President Ford expressed his opposition to the U.S. having a combat role in the Angola War.

On December 21, 1976, President Ford succeeded in the fight over a tax cut bill, leading to the enactment of a temporary tax cut.

On December 22, 1976, President Ford signed the Energy Policy Conservation Act into law.

President Ford announces a proposal for Puerto Rico statehood at the end of 1976.

President Ford delivers his Third State of the Union Address and gives his Farewell Address before a Joint Session of Congress, reporting that the state of the union is good.

President and Mrs. Ford sign contracts to publish their memoirs, marking a significant step in documenting their experiences and contributions to history.

Former President Ford visits the White House for the first time since leaving office and holds a lengthy meeting with President Carter, discussing various national and international issues.

Everett Raymond Kinstler’s portrait of Gerald R. Ford, commissioned by the White House Historical Association, was unveiled May 24, 1978.

Former President Ford's memoir, A Time to Heal, is released to the public, providing insights into his presidency and personal experiences.

Former President Ford officially announces his decision not to seek the Republican Presidential nomination, expressing the need for a new leader to unite the party and the country.

President Ford hosted a conference at the Ford Library in Ann Arbor, Michigan, focusing on the Presidency and the War Powers Act.

Former President Ford made a cameo appearance with former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger on the ABC show Dynasty.

President Ford joined President Carter for a symposium at the University of Michigan to discuss New Weapons Technologies and Soviet-American Relations.

President Ford hosted a symposium on Humor and the Presidency at the Ford Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

President Ford gathered about thirty scholars at the Ford Library in Ann Arbor to discuss the state of the presidential primary system.

Ford publishes a book titled Humor and the Presidency, which is based on a conference held in September 1986 at the Ford Presidential Museum.

Former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford meet with President-Elect George H.W. Bush to present the recommendations of the American Agenda Group, an organization of experts and former administration officials who studied critical issues in the United States.

Ford and many members of his administration participate in a conference at Hofstra University that examines the Ford presidency.

The University of Michigan retires President Ford’s football jersey number 48 at halftime of the Michigan State game, marking it as only the fifth football number to be retired by the university.

Gerald Ford delivers a speech at the Republican National Convention in San Diego, California, advocating for his former running mate and Republican presidential nominee, Robert Dole.

Following the House of Representatives’ impeachment of President Clinton, Gerald Ford collaborates with former President Carter on a New York Times Op-Ed piece, proposing a bipartisan resolution of censure as an alternative to an impeachment trial.

Gerald Ford writes an Op-Ed piece in the New York Times, advocating for the University of Michigan’s affirmative action-based admission standards.

President Ford is honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States, by President Clinton.

President Ford is presented with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest award bestowed by the Legislative branch of the United States government.

Ford hosts a conference at the University of Michigan in conjunction with the opening of nearly 40,000 pages from the Ford Library’s holdings on the Vietnam War.

Ford attends the ceremony where the Kent County International Airport is renamed after him.

Following the closely contested 2000 Presidential election, Former Presidents Ford and Carter are named as honorary Co-Chairmen of the National Commission on Federal Election Reform.

Ford is presented with the Profiles in Courage Award by the John F. Kennedy Foundation for putting the nation’s interest above his own political future with the pardon of Richard Nixon.

President Ford opens public hearings of the National Commission on Federal Election Reform at the Ford Library in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Commission, co-chaired by Former Presidents Ford and Carter, presents its findings to the White House on July 31, 2001.

Following the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, President and Mrs. Ford attend the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance ceremony at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) establishes the “NCAA President’s Gerald R. Ford Award.” The award honors an individual who has provided significant leadership as an advocate for intercollegiate athletics on a continuous basis over the course of their career. The first recipient of the award was Father Theodore Hesburgh, former President of Notre Dame.

The State Bar of Michigan recognizes Gerald Ford as the state’s twenty-ninth legal milestone.

Gerald Ford participates in the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Joan and Sanford Weill building, which will house the Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan.

The National Archives hosts a tribute event titled “President Ford’s Washington and the World,” featuring presentations by former Ford administration officials including Henry Kissinger, David Gergen, James Cannon, and Carla Hills.

On December 26, 2006, President Ford passed away at his home in Rancho Mirage, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and service to the nation.

President Ford dies at his California home at the age of 93, leading the nation into a period of mourning. Funeral services are held in Palm Desert, California; Washington, D.C.; and Grand Rapids, Michigan.

President Ford's funeral procession drives to Alexandria, Virginia, and pauses for a ceremony at the World War II Veteran’s Memorial in Washington, D.C. before arriving at the U.S. Capital Rotunda for services.

Funeral services for President Ford were held at Grace Episcopal Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Eulogies were given by Former President Jimmy Carter, Former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, and Historian Richard Norton Smith. President Ford was interred on the grounds of his Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The ornament features five emblems related to the life and presidency of Gerald R. Ford, including his achievements as an Eagle Scout, his athletic prowess at the University of Michigan, his family's famous golden retriever, the Bicentennial celebration contributions, and the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) aircraft carrier.