GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A wreath-laying ceremony was held at The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids on Sunday to mark the former president's 111th birthday.
At 9 a.m. the public was welcome to participate in the ceremony, joined by Ford's daughter, Susan Ford Bales, and other members of the Ford family.
Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D) was also in attendance as the speaker of honor.
"It was a great honor to be asked by Susan to do it and it took on even more meaning after what happened last night," Dingell said. "Because I think that Gerry Ford stood for civility, respect, working together to solve problems, knew what he had to do to unite this country."
The Ford family and other officials presented tribute wreaths at Ford's tomb, as well as his wife Betsy Ford's tomb, just north of the museum.
President Joe Biden continued the tradition of sending a wreath on his behalf.
"I take it very seriously because my mother, you know, created their ceremony and then she passed five years after my dad," Ford Bales said. "So it was something that she wanted to share with the people of Grand Rapids and also to help people to understand who Gerald Ford was."
Dingell said on Ford's birthday, remembering his legacy could help the nation move forward.
"As we celebrate his birthday today and continue this ritual and tradition, rituals hold us together and we all need to remember the spirit of Gerry Ford, who healed the nation at a challenging time," Dingell said. "We all have a responsibility to stand up to what we're watching right now."