Honoring President Gerald R. Ford: A National Archives Commemoration - Exploring President Ford's Impact on Washington and the Global Scene - Official Statement, May 31, 2006
News Article: A Tribute to President Gerald R. Ford's Legacy
On Monday, June 19, the National Archives will host a tribute event titled "President Ford's Washington and the World." This free and open-to-the-public program, held in the William G. McGowan Theater of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC, will delve into key events and policies of President Gerald R. Ford's administration.
The event will feature distinguished Americans, including Henry Kissinger, David Gergen, James Cannon, Carla Hills, and Historian Richard Norton Smith. Norton Smith will moderate the discussion, which promises to explore the national and global impact of Ford's presidency.
One of the significant topics to be addressed is Ford's balancing act in domestic governance. During his tenure, he grappled with inflation, unemployment, and the energy crisis, attempting policy adjustments amid a Democratic-controlled Congress. These struggles were part of the broader political environment leading up to the 1976 presidential election, in which Ford faced a tough contest against Jimmy Carter.
Ford's administration is also notable for its strides in military and intelligence reforms. On October 7, 1975, Ford signed Public Law 94-106, allowing women to enroll at all US service academies for the first time. This decision marked a milestone in women’s military participation.
Another significant action taken by Ford was the issuance of Executive Order 11905 on February 19, 1976, prohibiting any U.S. government member from engaging in or conspiring to engage in political assassinations globally. This pioneering action reflected a post-Vietnam and Watergate era shift towards greater accountability in covert operations.
The tribute will also delve into Ford's foreign policy initiatives, such as the withdrawal of American forces from Vietnam, the admission of Vietnamese refugees, the pardon of former President Richard M. Nixon, the offer of amnesty to draft evaders, and the signing of the Helsinki Accords.
The speakers will detail how these events and others shaped history during Ford's Presidency and how the policies created then still reverberate. The event is fully accessible, and requests for accommodations should be made at least two weeks before the event by contacting [email protected] or calling 202-357-5000. The National Archives Building is located on the National Mall at Constitution Avenue and 7th Street, NW.
For press information, contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at (202) 357-5300.
[1] Executive Order 11905 - Prohibition of Political Assassinations [2] Women Enroll at U.S. Service Academies for the First Time [3] Domestic Challenges and Political Context during Ford's Presidency
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