Ford Burial Today; Recalled as Friend of NYC, Country's Healer

Gerald Ford, the 38th president of the United States, will be buried tomorrow in a cemetery in Grand Rapids, Michigan, near where he was born and lived most of his life.

The interment ends a week of viewing, prayers, ceremonies eulogies and recollections of his distinguished service to his country as president that took place since Ford died last Tuesday at the age of 93.

Yesterday the national funeral service for Ford was held at Washington's National Cathedral, attended by hundreds of dignitaries headed by President George W. Bush and ex-presidents Bill Clinton, Geroge H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter.

Later on, Ford's body was flown to Grand Rapids where a brief private service led by Ford's widow, Betty was held for the former president's family and friends.

Ford's death last week evoked memories of the mid-1970s when Ford was president and the near bankruptcy of New York City occurred. Ford initially opposed helping bail out the city, then headed by Mayor Abraham D. Beame, from its predicament.

The famous headline in the New York Daily News on Oct. 30, 1975-"Ford To City: Drop Dead"-aptly summed up Ford's position and the city's dilemma.

Later, Ford changed his stance and helped to save the city from bankruptcy.

Recalling the dire situation of 31 years ago, when he was the governor of New York, Hugh Carey stated that Ford should be remembered for doing the right thing for New York City.

Carey, who had blasted Ford for first opposing New York City's efforts, praised Ford last week, saying: "He knew enough to rise above politics when he pardoned President Richard Nixon and he knew enough to rise above politics when he helped New York."

Governor George Pataki also had kind words for Ford, describing the former president as, "a remarkable man who will always be remembered for helping our nation heal from the wounds caused by Watergate".-John Toscano