News

Actions

Events mark 103rd anniversary of President Ford’s birth

Posted
and last updated

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) - Events marking the 103rd anniversary of the birth of President Gerald Ford are taking place in western Michigan.

The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation is hosting Thursday's ceremonies, which include a wreath-laying tribute at Ford's tomb in Grand Rapids.

The wreath-laying will be conducted on behalf of President Barack Obama and the Ford family. Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss will present a wreath on behalf of the city.

Following the ceremony, the Ford Presidential Museum will open free to the public through 5 p.m.

Ford died in 2006, and former first lady Betty Ford died in 2011. They lived in Rancho Mirage, California, for decades.

Gerald Ford was a congressman from Grand Rapids before becoming vice president and then president following Richard Nixon's 1974 resignation.