Gerald Ford actually said...

"One of the reasons America is strong, free, and secure as a nation is because of men like Eddie Hebert in the Congress of the United States."

"May Eddie's wonderful sense of humor stay with us, too, lightening the burdens when things seem heaviest and reminding us all that even in serious times, we must never lose our gift of laughter."

"I compliment all of you in this great part of our country for showing the superb judgment in seeing to it that you are represented by Eddie Hebert."

"There are few men in the United States Congress that I have known longer or respected more than the man that all of us honor here on this occasion today."