Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation Newsletter April 2011 Secretary Donald Rumsfeld Discusses His New Book “Known and Unknown” with Richard Norton Smith at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum On March 7, 2011 the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum welcomed two friends of President Ford, Donald Rumsfeld and Richard Norton Smith. The two engaged in a lively and in-depth discussion of Mr. Rumsfeld’s new book, Known and Unknown. The evening opened with Foundation Chairman, Steven Ford, addressing the capacity crowd before turning the program over to Mr. Rumsfeld and Mr. Smith, who jokingly asked Mr. Rumsfeld how it felt to have his book ranked above that of his former boss’ (George W. Bush) book on the New York Times bestseller list. Mr. Rumsfeld recalled his time in the Ford administration, especially the early days, shortly after President Nixon’s resignation. Mr. Rumsfeld discussed the difficulties in making the transition between administrations in a short, unexpected time frame and his role as a close advisor to President Ford and later as his White House Chief of Staff. Mr. Smith asked about today’s military and whether a draft would ever be re-established in this country. Mr. Rumsfeld believed that the volunteer armed forces would stay in place and doubted that a draft would ever again be a viable option for our nation. A question from the audience asked about the mood in the White House during the evacuation of Saigon, when North Vietnamese forces captured the city. Mr. Rumsfeld recalled that it was a somber setting. It was especially hard on President Ford, who had recently requested additional funds from Congress to evacuate all of the Vietnamese who were loyal to the United States. Congress turned down the request, making President Ford the angriest that Mr. Rumsfeld had ever seen him. Mr. Smith inquired about President Eisenhower’s concern about the “military industrial complex” and how it might threaten the peace and security of our form of government. Might President Eisenhower’s warning merit our attention? Mr. Rumsfeld did not think this should be a major concern as he felt there were safeguards in place to protect against any undue influence from the military industrial complex. Known and Unknown is a memoir recounting the remarkable life of a person who was close to the center of power in America over the last forty years. Mr. Rumsfeld served as Secretary of Defense under the Ford and George W. Bush administrations, and serves as a trustee of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation. One of the primary sources of his memoir was the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library which houses the papers and records of President Ford and his administration. Richard Norton Smith served as the director of the Ford Museum for five years after being the director of three other presidential libraries. He is a well known presidential historian, author and frequent guest on network television. Both Mr. Rumsfeld and Mr. Smith delivered eulogies Secretary Rumsfeld with Steve Ford at the Museum. at the funeral service for President Ford in Grand Rapids in 2007. ~ Jim Kratsas, Deputy Director, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. Foundation News Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation Betty Ford Honorary Chairperson BOARD OF TRUSTEES Steven M. Ford Chairman Hank Meijer Vice-Chairman Red Cavaney President Martin J. Allen, Jr. Chairman Emeritus Gregory D. Willard Archivist David Ferriero and Joe Calvaruso. Secretary The Beach Boys and other actors, musicians and dignitaries join former first lady Nancy Reagan David Hoogendoorn in singing Happy Birthday on the 100th Anniversary of President Ronald Reagan’s birth. Treasurer John G. Baab James A. Baker, III Susan Ford Bales Letter from the Foundation Executive Director, Joseph S. Calvaruso Vaden Bales Robert E. Barrett On March 7, 2011, Trustee Donald Congress together and later when Ceremony the Honorable James Benton Becker Rumsfeld appeared at the Gerald Rumsfeld served in President Ford’s Baker presented the keynote Lee C. Bollinger David Brandon R. Ford Presidential Museum to Cabinet. Also during his visit to the address. James Baker also serves Robert W. Browne discuss his memoir, “Known and Museum, Secretary and Mrs. as a Trustee of the Gerald R. Ford James M. Cannon Unknown”. Rumsfeld, accompanied by Steve Presidential Foundation. James Cavanaugh Richard Cheney The question and answer session Ford, paid their respects at the Tomb This edition of the Gerald R. Ford Mary Sue Coleman of President Ford. William T. Coleman, Jr. with Secretary Rumsfeld was Foundation Newsletter highlights Douglas L. DeVos moderated by Richard Norton Smith, The above picture of the 10th the many “Friends of Ford” whose John M. Engler historian and former Trustee of the Archivist of the United States, donations of money, time and John G. Ford Michael G. Ford Gerald R. Ford Presidential David Ferriero and me was taken services make possible activities Richard A. Ford Foundation. A book signing at the 100th Birthday Celebration that continue President Ford’s David G. Frey followed the presentation. honoring President Reagan on legacy. Danny Gaydou Sunday February 6, 2011 at the Alan Greenspan The relationship with Secretary Thank you “Friends of Ford”! Robert P. Griffin Rumsfeld and President Ford dates Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. James P. Hackett Following the Wreath Laying Carla A. Hills to when the two of them served in Roderick M. Hills Robert L. Hooker Robert D. Hynes G. Richard Katzenbach Thomas E. Kauper In Memoriam David Hume Kennerly Henry A. Kissinger Constance Z. “Connie” Snell John O. Marsh, Jr. Robin B. Martin F. David Mathews Connie Snell, dedicated Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum volunteer, Stephen McConahey passed away on February 2, 2011, after living with lung cancer since M. Peter McPherson August 2006. Connie was an active volunteer at the Museum for nearly Mark A. Murray 30 years, first as a docent working with school groups and later Terrence O’Donnell Paul H. O’Neill planning and caring for the Museum’s gardens. Museum Education Leon W. Parma Specialist Barbara McGregor remembers Connie as a wonderful Roger B. Porter addition to the docent organization. “With her natural rapport with Donald H. Rumsfeld President Ford, Mrs. Betty Ford, Connie Snell, Lena and Brent Scowcroft Fred Meijer. The eagle sculpture in the background is on students and extensive background in education, Connie provided a Peter F. Secchia long term loan from the Meijer Gardens. top notch experience for students touring the Museum. She was also Frank A. Ursomarso a kind and caring person I had the privilege of working beside for Steve Van Andel Sanford I. Weill many years. She will truly be missed.” Ronald Weiser As a member of the Grand Rapids Lawyers Auxiliary, Connie began Albert C. Zapanta Frank G. Zarb her volunteer work with the Museum just after it opened in 1981. Since HONORARY TRUSTEES 1995 she designed both the Betty Ford Garden and Gravesite Garden Richard M. DeVos on the Museum grounds. Volunteering at the Museum was far from Ralph W. Hauenstein Connie’s only interest. Another was becoming a Master Gardener and Frederik G.H. Meijer Seymour K. Padnos founding member of the West Michigan Horticultural Society. Joseph S. Calvaruso Connie and her husband Hilary Snell were also loyal members of the Executive Director Friends of Ford, attending many programs at the Museum over the Elaine K. Didier years. Connie and her contributions will be deeply missed. Our Library/Museum Director condolences go to Hilary and the Snell family. Diane VanAllsburg Betty Ford Garden designed by Connie Snell. Administrative Assistant Cover Photos Courtesy of Dr. Robert M. Humphries Foundation News Naval Officer Commissioned in President Gerald R. Ford’s Foundation Office Lieutenant Commander Sully (right) commissions Dr. David Andres into the United States Navy. Dr. Andres is a medical school graduate from Michigan State’s Osteopathic School of Medicine. He will be going to Officer Development School in Newport, RI and then on to flight training where he will serve in the Navy as a Flight Surgeon. Dr. Andres is from Wyoming, MI. Congratulations Dr. Andres and thank you for your service to our country! 2010-2011 President Gerald R. Ford Essay Challenge First Place Winner Second Place Winner Third Place Winner Emilee Ritz, 12th Grade Steve Jakubowsk, 10th Grade John Veldkamp, 9th Grade Forest Hills Northern High School Grand Rapids Catholic Cental High School Calvin Christian High School “The Score” “Grit and Integrity” “Holding the Line” Each year the theme for our President Gerald R. Ford Essay Challenge reflects on an important part of Gerald Ford’s character. During the 2010-2011 school year, students were asked to write about “integrity”. Over 300 high school students from pubic and private, city, suburban and rural areas participated. The result was a diverse and thought-provoking selection of essays. The 18 finalists are recognized each year at a special awards program on President’s Day at the Museum. The Essay Challenge is a collaboration between The Grand Rapids Press Newspapers in Education, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. Visit the Student Essay Challenge webpage at www.geraldrfordfoundation.org for a complete list of winners and read through their essays. Thanks and Congratulations to all students who participated in this year’s challenge! Looking Back Richard DeVos, Sr. and Jay Van Andel President Ford is joined by Jay Van Andel (left) and Richard DeVos, Sr. (right) at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in 1986. Richard and Jay were Charter Members of the Board of Trustees of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation. Jay Van Andel passed away in December 2004. Richard DeVos continues to serve as an Honorary Trustee. P.