Commemoration of President Gerald R. Ford’s Birthday to be Held on July 14

The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, Library and Museum are once again joining together to commemorate the life and legacy of President Gerald R. Ford, Monday, July 14.

The Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony begins the commemoration at the Tomb of President Gerald R. Ford 10:00 a.m. This year the wreath-laying ceremony will include Susan Ford Bales, daughter of President and Mrs. Ford, Major Norman Grainger, Divisional Secretary, The Salvation Army of Western Michigan Northern Indiana, and the Honorable James A. Baker, III, former Secretary of State.

Following the Wreath Laying, a Ribbon Cutting will open the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum’s new featured exhibit, Taking the Seas: The Rise of the American Aircraft Carrier. This exhibit is exclusive to Grand Rapids and explores the development of this unique ship and the role it plays in projecting our nation's influence abroad. From the first efforts at the close of the First World War, to the central role the carrier played in winning World War II (included is a walk on deck of the USS Monterey), to the newest super-carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, the exhibit offers key artifacts, documents, and video of the rise of the American carrier.

The commemoration concludes with the 2014 William E. Simon Lecture featuring the Honorable James A. Baker, III. The luncheon will be at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. Doors open at 11:30 p.m. program begins at noon.

Luncheon Event Sponsors are: Amway, Grand Valley State University, Hauenstein Center, Mercantile Bank, and The Peter F. Secchia Familiy. The cost per ticket: $35 per person. Limited seats still available inquire at: rsvp@38foundation.org, or phone 616-254-0396.