(Washington D.C.)- U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) today entered the following statement into the Congressional Record honoring former President Gerald R. Ford:

I rise in strong support of House Resolution 15.  It is fitting and right that the House remember this highly distinguished citizen of the State of Michigan, and honor his service to the people of the United States.

Gerald Ford's life and legacy define the term "public servant."  He served with distinction in World War II aboard the U.S.S. Monterrey.  In 1948, he was elected to the House of Representatives, where he served with integrity for 25 years.  In 1974, during one of the darkest moments in U.S. history, Gerald Ford served as our nation's 38th President, and restored integrity to the Presidency. 

As the nation has honored President Ford over the course of the last week, I have been struck by how many have made mention of his honesty, trustworthiness and essential decency.  As the first President Bush said of his one-time colleague in the House of Representatives at the memorial service at Washington Cathedral last week, "to political ally and adversary alike, Jerry Ford?s word was always good."

President Ford will also be remembered for believing that America is strongest when we work together and work with others.

President Ford has left us a rich legacy.  As we begin this new Congress, I hope all of us here will honor him by taking to heart that legacy. 

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