Gerald Ford

On December 6, 1973, Gerald Ford was sworn in as the 40th Vice President of the United States. He was appointed vice president following the resignation of Spiro Agnew, who resigned due to charges of tax evasion. Ford was nominated by President Richard Nixon under the 25th Amendment to the Constitution, which allowed for the appointment of a vice president in the event of a vacancy. His confirmation marked the first time that the vice presidential succession process outlined by the 25th Amendment was used. This marked the beginning of Ford's path to eventually becoming the president in 1974.

On August 9, 1974, Gerald Ford was sworn in as the 38th president of the United States following the resignation of Richard Nixon. Ford became the first person to assume the vice presidency and presidency without being elected to either post. The resignation of President Nixon came as a result of the Watergate scandal, a major political scandal that had cost Nixon significant political support and credibility. Ford's presidency began under challenging circumstances as he sought to restore trust in the American government and heal a divided nation.

On September 8, 1974, President Gerald Ford issued a full pardon to former President Richard Nixon for any crimes he may have committed while in office. The pardon was highly controversial and is believed to have contributed to Ford's loss in the 1976 presidential election. Ford stated that he issued the pardon to help the nation move past the Watergate scandal and to avoid the controversy and divisiveness of a trial. The decision was met with mixed reactions: some praised Ford for his desire to heal the nation, while others criticized it as a corrupt bargain.

On April 30, 1975, during Gerald Ford's presidency, the Vietnam War effectively ended with the fall of Saigon. North Vietnamese forces captured the South Vietnamese capital, marking the official end of the Vietnam War and leading to the reunification of Vietnam under communist control. The United States had previously withdrawn its forces in 1973, following the Paris Peace Accords. The fall of Saigon prompted a massive evacuation of American personnel and South Vietnamese allies, and marked a significant point in U.S. history regarding its foreign policy and military interventions.

On September 5, 1975, an assassination attempt was made on President Gerald Ford by Lynette 'Squeaky' Fromme, a member of Charles Manson's 'Family.' The attempt occurred in Sacramento, California, as Ford was greeting well-wishers. Fromme aimed a Colt .45 handgun at the president, but did not fire as she was quickly subdued by Secret Service agents. The event highlighted the dangers faced by public figures and led to changes in security procedures to better protect the president. Fromme was later convicted of attempted assassination and sentenced to life in prison.

On September 22, 1975, a second assassination attempt on President Gerald Ford occurred in San Francisco, California. The attempt was made by Sara Jane Moore, who fired a revolver at Ford from a distance but missed. A bystander, Oliver Sipple, intervened by grabbing Moore's arm as she fired, causing the shot to miss its target. The bullet ricocheted and slightly injured a bystander, but Ford was unharmed. Moore was quickly apprehended and later convicted of attempted assassination, receiving a life sentence. This event further underscored the need for enhanced security for the president.

On July 4, 1976, during Gerald Ford's presidency, the United States celebrated its Bicentennial, marking 200 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. The celebration was a nationwide event featuring fireworks, parades, and commemorative ceremonies. President Ford participated in several events to honor the country's founding and emphasized themes of national unity and reflection on American history. The Bicentennial was seen as a moment for the nation to come together after a period of political and social upheaval, and it was celebrated with enthusiasm across the country.

On November 2, 1976, the United States presidential election took place, in which President Gerald Ford, the Republican candidate, ran for election in his own right for a full term as president. Ford was opposed by the Democratic candidate, Jimmy Carter, who won the election with 50.1% of the popular vote and 297 electoral votes to Ford's 48.0% and 240 electoral votes. The election was noted for its focus on issues such as the economy, government ethics, and foreign policy in the post-Vietnam era. Ford's loss was partially attributed to the backlash from his pardon of Richard Nixon and the nation's economic struggles.

On November 19, 1981, Gerald Ford was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Ronald Reagan. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is one of the highest civilian honors in the United States, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the national interests of the United States, world peace, or cultural achievements. Ford was recognized for his dedicated public service and efforts to restore trust in the presidency after the Watergate scandal. This recognition highlighted Ford's impact on the nation and his legacy as a public servant committed to the principles of democracy and governance.

On December 26, 2006, Gerald Ford passed away at the age of 93. Ford's death was marked by a period of national mourning, and he was remembered for his service to the country during a tumultuous time. He was the longest-lived U.S. president at the time of his passing. Known for his integrity, humility, and dedication to public service, Ford was celebrated for his efforts to restore credibility to the presidency following the Watergate scandal. His funeral was attended by many notable government officials past and present, and he was interred at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan.