White House Review

President Bush met with his National Security Team to discuss progress in Iraq. He also declared that Tuesday, January 2, 2007 to be a National Day of Mourning for President Ford. “The key to success in Iraq is to have a government that`s willing to deal with the elements there that are trying to prevent this young democracy from succeeding. … If we were to not succeed in Iraq, the enemy — the extremists, the radicals — would have safe haven from which to launch further attacks, they would be emboldened; they would be in a position to threaten the United States of America.”

President Bush extended his condolences and mourned the loss of President Ford. He also directed that all flags in the United States fly at half-staff as an expression of public sorrow for a period of 30 days from the day of his death.

“President Ford was a great man who devoted the best years of his life in serving the United States. He was a true gentleman who reflected the best in America`s character… He assumed power in a period of great division and turmoil. For a nation that needed healing and for an office that needed a calm and steady hand, Gerald Ford came along when we needed him most.”