Discover the Life and Legacy of President Gerald R. Ford
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation is a nonpartisan, educational institution promoting the high ideals of integrity, honesty, and candor that defined President Ford’s extraordinary career of public service.
Watch General McChrystal’s Program - On Character: Choices that Define a Life
General Stanley McChrystal’s April 14 program, moderated by Ford Leadership Forum director Jeff Polet, was extremely inspiring.
The retired four-star general challenged us to reflect on what character truly means, reminding us that it is defined not by what we say, but by what we do. His insight that character is both personal and collective—and ultimately shapes our fate—offered a powerful call to strengthen our communities and civic life.
McChrystal’s reflections on integrity, a guiding principle in President Ford’s life, underscored that while our beliefs matter, it is the discipline to live by them—especially under pressure—that defines true character. He also emphasized the importance of the people and institutions that help shape and hold us accountable to those values.
Programs like this carry forward President Ford’s legacy of integrity, honesty, and principled leadership.
Watch the program here.
