Reps. Kooiman, Huizenga, Steil, Koetje, Voorhees, Van Regenmorter, Hart, Vander Veen, Richardville, Accavitti, Acciavatti, Adamini, Amos, Anderson, Bradstreet, Brandenburg, Byrum, Caswell, Caul, Clack, Condino, DeRossett, Ehardt, Elkins, Emmons, Farhat, Farrah, Garfield, Gieleghem, Gillard, Gleason, Hager, Hoogendyk, Hune, Jamnick, Ruth Johnson, Kolb, LaSata, Law, Lipsey, McConico, Meyer, Middaugh, Minore, Mortimer, Murphy, Newell, Nitz, Nofs, Paletko, Palsrok, Pappageorge, Pastor, Phillips, Rocca, Sak, Shackleton, Shaffer, Sheen, Sheltrown, Shulman, Spade, Stahl, Stakoe, Stewart, Taub, Tobocman, Vagnozzi, Ward, Wojno, Woodward and Zelenko offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 100.

A resolution congratulating President Gerald R. Ford on his 90th birthday.

            Whereas, Gerald Rudolph Ford was born Leslie Lynch King on July 14, 1913, and three years later was renamed Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr. after his mother was remarried to Gerald R. Ford Sr.; and

            Whereas, Jerry Ford graduated with honors from South High School in Grand Rapids in 1931, and continued his education at the University of Michigan. He played center for the Wolverine football team and was selected most valuable player by his teammates during his senior year; and

            Whereas, He went on to receive a law degree from Yale University in 1941. During World War II, Ford served as operations officer while on the U.S.S. Monterey in the Pacific, finishing his term with the Navy as a lieutenant commander; and

Whereas, After World War II, Gerald R. Ford returned to practice law in Grand Rapids. Soon after his marriage to Elizabeth Warren in 1948, he successfully challenged the incumbent Republican U.S. Representative, and won the congressional seat, which he diligently served in for 25 years; and

Whereas, Through his reputation of honesty and integrity, he gained the support of his fellow party members and in 1965, was chosen to be House Minority Leader. Jerry Ford held this position until President Nixon named him vice president in 1973; and

Whereas, Gerald R. Ford was sworn in as President of the United States after the resignation of President Nixon in 1974. President Ford took on the very difficult task of leading this country after the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal. During his term, he successfully calmed tensions between Israel and Egypt, as well as between the United States and Soviet Union; and

Whereas, Gerald R. Ford is most deserving of our highest praise. His effort and service provided to the community of Grand Rapids, as well as the United States of America, will not go forgotten. His wisdom and initiative have had an immeasurable impact upon the lives of countless citizens. We are proud to salute him; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body congratulate President Gerald R. Ford on his 90th birthday. May he know of our heartfelt gratitude for his exemplary service and our best wishes for continued health and happiness in his future years.  The citizens of Michigan are proud to express their appreciation for his years of service to the residents of his congressional district, the state of Michigan, and the people of our nation; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to President Ford.