On the recordMarch 16, 2011
the Senate is poised to approve a concurrent resolution providing for the acceptance of a statue of President Gerald R. Ford to be placed in the Capitol. I am proud as a Michiganian, and proud as an American, to support this resolution. In this turbulent moment, it is good to remember that this is not the first time our Nation has faced adversity. At another time--a time of distress and doubt and anguish--Gerald Ford assumed our Nation's highest office. We were fortunate indeed that at that time of great danger, Jerry Ford was there to take the helm and keep our country on an even keel. President Ford's courage in the performance of his duties and his willingness to act in the Nation's interest even when it brought criticism were the capstone of a lifetime of service. As a young Navy officer during World War II, this son of Grand Rapids served his Nation with distinction. In December 1944, when a great typhoon and fire threatened Ford's ship, he demonstrated the courage and cool judgment that would serve him so well in Congress and the White House. Gerald Ford served Michigan and his country for 13 terms as a Member of the House of Representatives, earning bipartisan respect. He became Vice President at a time of great controversy, but it was in navigating the storm that brought him to the Presidency that he provided his greatest service. At a time when our nation needed healing, he was a healer. When we needed unity, he was our unifying force.…





