Gerald Ford Left His Mark as a Man of Integrity and the 38th United States President

The Nation honored the late president through several eulogies offered by some of the most famous American citizens, including President George W. Bush.

Gerald Ford's funeral was broadcast live on Tuesday, January 2 as Ford's wife, family, and the nation's citizens remembered the great man who made a difference in America during a difficult time.

Bush remembered Ford by noting the fact that Ford did not ask to be president, he became president when the nation needed a strong leader. Ford was able to fill the shoes and continue to carry America into a more secure future. Ford also restored the bridge of trust between the government and America's citizens.

Bush's Eulogy also identified Ford as a "man whose name was a synonym for integrity."

The coverage of the funeral included a sermon by a Bishop of Grand Rapids who identified Ford's faith and honored the man and the Lord through his sermon.

Bush also acknowledged the Almighty's hand in Ford's life.

Gerald Ford, born in 1913 is remembered as stepping up to the plate and encompassing the title of "calm after the storm."

Ford is also the only American president to serve as both Vice President and President without ever being officially elected into office. After Spiro Agnew's resignation, Ford was the receiver of the VP title. Richard Nixon's resignation, of course, led to Ford's official presidency.

Ford's first act of presidency which caused a considerable amount of controversy was to pardon President Richard Nixon, just 30 days after assuming office.

Ford's hope in issuing the pardon was to officially put an end to the negative publicity and shut the door and seal the book of Watergate.

Ford confessed that the decision to pardon former President Nixon was no easy one and was certainly a matter of conscience.

Another reason for Ford's decision to pardon involved the substantial amount of time it would take to officiate and finalize a fair trial for President Nixon.

Many politicians and citizens agreed that the pardon most likely caused Ford from being reelected in the 1976 election.

The pardon of Nixon also caused an outbreak of angry phone calls, turmoil, and protests directed towards the White House.

Many also accused Ford of pardoning Nixon in order to obtain presidency for himself. This however, was most likely not the case.

Ford had never expressed interest in becoming President of the United States.

Indeed, Ford's prime ambition prior to his Presidency was to be a good legislator and possibly speaker of the House.

As Ford was sworn in he made a very honorable statement. "I am acutely aware that you have not elected me as your president by your ballots. So I ask you to confirm me as your president with your prayers. And I hope that such prayers will also be the first of many."

Remembered as a man of faith, Ford's urging toward America to uphold him in prayer demonstrated humility and a willingness to serve the country.

Ford is also remembered as a star player on Michigan's national championship football teams. He was a World War II Navy veteran with a law degree from Yale.

Ford was officially elected into the House in 1948.

At the time of Ford's residency in the House of Representatives, he was often considered the greatest intellectual, as well as honest and honorable. He was trusted and liked by both Democrats and Republicans. He took office of Vice Presidency on December 6, 1972.

Ford was also the victim of double assassination attempts.

IN less than three weeks, two attempts were made to end Ford's life in the fall of 1975.

The first attempt was made by a woman dressed completely in red. Her attempt failed because of an error in firing. Apparently her remorse was neither evident nor existent. Lynette Fromme was apparently a follower of Charles Manson and is currently serving a life sentence.

The other attempt made by another female, Sarah Jane Moore raised a .38-caliber revolver to fire and her arm was pushed up by a former U.S. Marine standing nearby.

The bullet flew over Ford's head by several feet. Moore was also sentenced to life in prison.

Ford's funeral began Friday, December 31 in California. The final plans are to bury the president on Wednesday in his home state of Michigan.

Ford's honorable character and integrity are reasons he is remembered, as well as the difficult task he had received and his tactfulness in handling his presidency.