9/08/04

The State Bar of Michigan will host a dedication and plaque unveiling ceremony in Grand Rapids on Monday September 20, 2004 to honor the city's most famous son—former U.S. President Gerald R. Ford. The ceremony will mark the Bar's 29th Legal Milestone project.

President Ford, who grew up and practiced law in Grand Rapids led the nation through challenging times from 1974 to 1977. This year marks the 30th anniversary of his presidency. Currently residing in California, President Ford is 91 years old.

The ceremony will take place at the Gerald R. Ford Museum on the west bank of the Grand River overlooking downtown Grand Rapids. It is located at 303 Pearl Street, N. W. The 1:30 p.m. event will include speeches by prominent guests and a plaque unveiling to be followed by a reception. Invited speakers include Marty Allen, a longtime Ford friend, John Logie, former mayor of Grand Rapids, and Patrick Miles, president of the Grand Rapids Bar Association. The president of the State Bar of Michigan Scott S. Brinkmeyer, who's also from Grand Rapids will be the master of ceremonies.

The State Bar's Michigan Legal Milestone program recognizes important cases, events and personalities in our state's rich legal history and uses bronze plaques placed at featured sites, to relate the historical significance. For more information or to attend this event please call (517) 367-6428.

Photo courtesy of Gerald R. Ford Museum

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