“President Gerald R. Ford Day.”

(1) The legislature recognizes the exceptional contributions to American life, history, and leadership made by Gerald R. Ford, the thirty-eighth president of the United States and the only United States president from Michigan, who for decades has served the United States and the state of Michigan. For much of his life, President Ford resided in Grand Rapids. He attended South high school in Grand Rapids and the university of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He served with distinction as a member of the United States house of representatives, vice president of the United States, and president of the United States. Among numerous other awards and honors, President Ford has received the Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the nation, and the Congressional Gold Medal for his "dedicated public service and outstanding humanitarian contributions". In commemoration of the significant role Gerald R. Ford has played in the history of the state of Michigan and our nation, the legislature declares that July 14 of each year shall be known as "President Gerald R. Ford Day". (2) The legislature encourages each individual in the great state of Michigan to pause on President Gerald R. Ford day and reflect upon the significance of President Ford's leadership and important contributions to the history of the state of Michigan and to the history of this great nation.