Gerald R. Ford: The 38th President of the United States

As Presidents Day is celebrated every third Monday in February, we want to take a look at the only president from Michigan – Gerald R. Ford. Ford, who served as the 38th President of the United States from 1974 to 1977, took office following the resignation of President Richard Nixon. He was the only person to hold the office of both Vice President and President without being elected to either position.

Gerald Ford was born Leslie Lynch King Jr. on July 14, 1913, in Omaha, Nebraska. After his parents' divorce, his mother remarried and he took the name Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr. He grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he excelled in academics and athletics. Ford attended the University of Michigan, where he played football and studied economics. He later attended Yale Law School.

After serving in the Navy during World War II, Ford entered politics and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1948. He served in Congress for 25 years, eventually becoming the House Minority Leader. In 1973, Ford was appointed Vice President by President Nixon after the resignation of Spiro Agnew. When Nixon resigned in 1974, Ford became President.

During his presidency, Ford faced many challenges, including high inflation, an energy crisis, and the aftermath of the Watergate scandal. He made efforts to heal the nation and promote transparency in government. Ford pardoned Nixon for any crimes he may have committed while in office, a controversial decision that may have cost him the 1976 election.

Video of Ford's 1989 prediction that a female president wouldn't happen “in the normal course of events” is surfacing as Kamala Harris is the first female Vice President and is often mentioned as a possible future presidential candidate. Ford passed away on December 26, 2006, at the age of 93. He is buried in Grand Rapids, Michigan, alongside his wife Betty.

Gerald R. Ford: Park Ranger, 38th President of the United States. WASHINGTON, D.C.— Gerald R. Ford holds a special place in the heart of the nation as a president who guided the country through a tumultuous time. He is remembered for his integrity, humility, and dedication to public service.