Gerald Ford actually said...

"It is an ingenious and very generous gift, a symbol of the common heritage of friendship and devotion to freedom which distinguishes the historic ties between our two countries."

"Like the Statue of Liberty, the Mount Vernon sound and light display will be a continuous celebration of the principles of liberty shared by our two Republics."

"We are-at peace."

"America remains greatly inspired by the wisdom and the vision of France in the history of our great country."