Heritage Foundation Leadership for America

WASHINGTON, Dec. 27, 2006- "During his service as the 38^th president of the United States, Gerald Ford helped bind the wounds that had torn our nation apart." 

"I had the honor to know and work with Jerry Ford during his tenure as House minority leader, as vice president, as president of the United States and as a leading retired public official.  Jerry Ford always represented his nation and the American people with dignity, honor and distinction."

"In 1980, we at Heritage were honored when former President Ford agreed to lead a Heritage delegation to Tokyo to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the U.S.-Japan Mutual Defense Treaty. (That delegation was co-chaired by Heritage Trustee and former Navy Secretary Bill Middendorf.)  This was one of the many leadership opportunities that President Ford was always ready to undertake on behalf of the principles and interests of the American nation."

"More recently, I had the opportunity to visit with President Ford in his home town of Grand Rapids at the formal dedication of the Van Andel Institute.  President Ford was always supportive and enthusiastic of private sector responses to the needs and opportunities of our nation."

"My colleagues on the board of trustees and the staff of The Heritage Foundation join the American people in mourning the passing of this extraordinary American leader. We extend our sincere condolences to his wife, Betty, and to the Ford family."