2016 Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony

Also view the Wreath Laying Ceremony photos on Flickr – Photos by Jim Hill

On July 14, 2016, Susan Ford Bales hosted the annual Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of President Gerald R. Ford marking the 103rd anniversary of his birth.

Susan was joined by Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss, Foundation Trustees, staff of the Foundation and Museum, as well as friends from throughout Western Michigan. The Republic of South Vietnam Veteran Color Guard presented the Colors while Officer Wally Tett from the Grand Rapids Police Department sang the “National Anthem”. Boy Scout Whitaker Oosterman led the “Pledge of Allegiance” and Reverend Stephen Holmgren delivered the Invocation.

The annual Wreath Laying Ceremony is a combination of two special traditions. The first is part of a long tradition of the U.S. Presidency. The Presidential Tradition is conducted on the birthday of each deceased president. The incumbent president sends a tribute wreath to be presented by a military officer at that deceased president’s tomb. The second tradition is a very personal one that Mrs. Betty Ford established in 2007.

Several months after President Ford’s death, Mrs. Ford learned of the Presidential Tradition. She requested that an additional ceremony be conducted each year on her behalf in conjunction with the Presidential Tradition. This year’s Ceremony – the tenth since President Ford’s death – was a shining example of Mrs. Ford’s wishes being fulfilled, especially with the large and diverse group of individuals and organizations who participated in the Ceremony.

Brigadier General Mike Stone carried on the Presidential Tradition with the laying of the wreath from President Barack Obama. In addition, wreaths were presented on behalf of President Ford’s family and the City of Grand Rapids. A wreath was presented by Jim Kratsas and Ken Hafeli, joined by members
of the Museum and Library staff, in tribute to the combined 70 years of service Jim and Ken provided to President Ford’s legacy. A final wreath from President Ford’s Foundation was presented by Executive Director Joe Calvaruso, accompanied by Foundation staff members Donna Calvaruso, Clare Shubert, Diane Van Allsburg, and Kristy Lecceadone. Personal remembrances were presented by members
of law enforcement from Grand Rapids and Kent County, by President and Mrs. Ford’s nieces and nephews, and by the student winners of the President Ford Essay Contest.

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