Gerald Rudolph Ford

“ Sailing in the service of the Spanish crown, the voyage of Christopher Columbus marked one of history's most challenging and rewarding explorations. He opened this continent to the migration of settlers who created an enduring nation. The United States of America still carries forth his spirit of exploration as part of its national heritage.
Americans of the twentieth century strive to follow the vision and unshakeable faith of Christopher Columbus by seeking to discover a "New World" of peace and cooperation among all men. ”

“ We must also strengthen and support laws that prohibit discrimination based on sex.
Now, Therefore, I, Gerald R. Ford, President of the United States of America, do hereby call upon all Americans to observe August 26, 1974, as Women's Equality Day, with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I further urge Americans to consider the essential role of women in our society and their contribution to our economic, social and political well-being. As a Republic dedicated to liberty and justice for all, this Nation cannot deny equal status to women. ”

“ Our country's Hispanic heritage reaches back more than four centuries. When the Pilgrim Fathers landed at Plymouth Rock, Hispanic civilization was already flourishing in what is now Florida and New Mexico. Since then the Hispanic contribution to America has been a consistent and vital influence in our country's cultural growth.
More than ten million Americans of Hispanic origin today contribute to our national diversity, enriching the quality of American life in the arts, the sciences, sports, religion and the small but important things of everyday living. ”