HAIL TO THE CHIEF FORD PAID TRIBUTE AT REAGAN LIBRARY.Byline: ERIC LEACH Staff Writer SIMI VALLEY Simi Valley (sē`mē, sĭm`ē), city (1990 pop. 100,217), Ventura co., SW Calif. in an oil, fruit, and farm region; laid out 1887, inc. 1969. -- Scores of people visiting Southern California Southern California, also colloquially known as SoCal, is the southern portion of the U.S. state of California. Centered on the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego, Southern California is home to nearly 24 million people and is the nation's second most populated region, lined up Wednesday at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Center for Public Affairs to pay tribute to former President Gerald R. Ford. ``I've always admired Gerald Ford for his absolute integrity,'' said Carol Russo of New York City New York City: see New York, city. New York City City (pop., 2000: 8,008,278), southeastern New York, at the mouth of the Hudson River. The largest city in the U.S. , who had also visited the library during the mourning period after Reagan's death and wanted to honor Ford. She and others recalled how he helped bring the nation out of a difficult period following the resignation of President Richard Nixon. ``He did great things for the country, taking over after Watergate and the turmoil after the Vietnam War Vietnam War, conflict in Southeast Asia, primarily fought in South Vietnam between government forces aided by the United States and guerrilla forces aided by North Vietnam. ,'' said Wayne Malone of San Juan Capistrano San Juan Capistrano (săn wän kăpĭsträ`nō), city (1990 pop. 26,183), Orange co., S Calif.; inc. 1961. San Juan Capistrano has some manufactures, including aircraft parts, medical apparatus, and boats, but the economy is . Joy and Gordon Roberts This article is about the hockey player. For the Medal of Honor recipient, see Gordon Ray Roberts. For the Bournemouth Tramp, see Gordon the Tramp. Gordon Roberts of Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, city, United States Santa Cruz (săn`tə kr  z), city (1990 pop. 49,040), seat of Santa Cruz co., W Calif., on the north shore of Monterey Bay; inc. 1866. signed a condolence book
recalling that Ford played college football against Joy's father,
Ted Fehring, and her uncle, William ``Dutch'' Fehring, who
both played for Purdue University, where William was known as ``the
flying Dutchman.''
``I'm thankful to be here to sign this book,'' she said. ``Gerald Ford served his country well.'' Visitors said they appreciated the opportunity to express their feelings at the library, which was more crowded than usual Wednesday, with the parking lots full and people parked up and down Presidential Drive. Nancy Reagan issued a statement saying she was deeply saddened to hear of Ford's passing. ``Ronnie and I always considered him a dear friend and close political ally,'' she said. ``His accomplishments and devotion to our country are vast.'' R. Duke Blackwood, the library's executive director, also issued a statement, saying Ford served the country with dignity, dedication and distinction. ``Facing one of the most challenging crises of the office of president, he stewarded the critical healing process for the entire country,'' Blackwood said. ``By the time he had left office, the presidency was well on the road to recovery.'' He said the condolence books signed at the library will be forwarded to the Ford family. They will be available to sign until Ford is buried. Some of the youngest people signing the books were Ashley Herzler, 8, and her brother Joshua, 6, from San Diego, who said they had been taught that President Ford was a good man and a good president. ``This is history,'' said their father, Roger Herzler. ``We planned on coming here to learn more about President Reagan, and now we will also use this as a learning opportunity about President Ford.'' The photos on display featured several of Reagan with Ford, including one with Bob Hope at a USO USO: see United Service Organizations. (UNIX Software Operation) AT&T's Unix division before it turned into USL. See Unix. event and one of the famous gathering of five presidents at the opening of the Reagan Library in 1991. eric.leach(at)dailynews.com (805) 583-7602 CAPTION(S): 2 photos Photo: (1) Katherine Collins, a volunteer at the Reagan Presidential Library, signs a condolence book for the family of deceased President Gerald Ford at the library in Simi Valley on Wednesday. (2) A condolence book for the Ford family is set up for visitors to sign at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley on Wednesday. Michael Owen Baker/Staff Photographer |
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