Trustee Susan Ford Bales, on behalf of the Ford Family, hosted the annual Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of President Gerald R. Ford at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The ceremony marked the 102nd anniversary of Gerald R. Ford's and the 9th consecutive ceremony celebrated on his birthday.

Susan was joined by former US Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill, United States Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Jeff Frost, Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell, Foundation Trustees, staff of the Foundation and Museum, as well as friends from throughout Western Michigan.

In recognition of Gerald R. Ford having served as an Eagle Scout, and the only US President to do so, the Boy Scouts of Grand Rapids presented the colors while Grand Rapids Public Safety Officer Wally Tett sang the National Anthem. Boy Scout Whitaker Oosterman led the pledge of allegiance and Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell delivered the invocation.

Shortly after the passing of Gerald R. Ford, Mrs. Betty Ford asked that a wreath laying ceremony be conducted on her behalf. Susan highlighted President Barack Obama's participation in the tradition of placing a wreath at the tomb of former Presidents and how the Ford Family is honored to join him in this personal gesture. Together with the wreath from President Obama, wreaths were also placed at the Tomb of Gerald R. Ford on behalf of the Ford Family, members of President Ford's Administration and the United States Secret Service.

Remembrances were also placed at the Tomb of Mrs. Betty Ford by Mayor George Heartwell and Amy Schmidt, along with individual roses on behalf of Foundation Trustees, the staff of the Foundation and Museum and all ceremony participants.

Special Agent in Charge Jeff Frost provided remarks on behalf of the United States Secret Service. Frost detailed Ford's USSS protection which began in 1973 when President Richard Nixon selected then-Congressman Ford to serve as his Vice President, following the resignation of Vice President Spiro Agnew. For the next 38 years, hundreds of agents served on his protective detail, some of whom became personal friends with Gerald and Betty Ford. Frost recalled Ford's comments following two unsuccessful assassination attempts on his life. Ford stated that while he was receiving sometimes 100 death threats a month, he never worried about them because of his confidence in the professionalism of the agents protecting him.

Former US Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill provided remarks on behalf of Ford's White House Administration. O'Neill described how President Ford treated everyone with dignity and respect every day, without matter to title or position. He was honored to have the opportunity to recognize all that President Ford meant to the country and meant to all of the men and women who served in his Administration.

Grace Episcopal Church Rev. Stephen Holmgren concluded the ceremony with a closing prayer. Foundation Trustee Greg Willard provided closing remarks thanking all of the participants in continuing Mrs. Ford's request for the annual Wreath Laying Ceremony.