George W. Bush

“ We are here today to say goodbye to a great man. Gerald Ford was born and reared in the American heartland. He belonged to a generation that measured men by their honesty and their courage. He grew to manhood under the roof of a loving mother and father — and when times were tough, he took part-time jobs to help them out. In President Ford, the world saw the best of America — and America found a man whose character and leadership would bring calm and healing to one of the most divisive moments in our nation's history. ”

“ He was criticized for signing the Helsinki Accords, yet history has shown that document helped bring down the Soviet Union, as courageous men and women behind the Iron Curtain used it to demand their God-given liberties. Twice assassins attempted to take the life of this good and decent man, yet he refused to curtail his public appearances. ”