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| President, Past Honorary Grand Master, and Mason Passes at 93 |
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Gerald R. Ford, Past Honorary Grand Master of DeMolay International and 38th President of the United States, has died at age 93. He passed away at his home in California on December 26. Ford became President in 1974, following the resignation of Richard M. Nixon, the only President in United States history to resign his office. Ford is often credited with healing the nation following the painful scandal and disillusionment of Watergate. Among his presidential actions was the controversial pardoning of Nixon for his involvement in the Watergate cover-up. Many have since agreed that this move was critical in the healing of the nation. President Ford was later awarded the Freedom Medal by President and Senior DeMolay Bill Clinton in recognition of his critical role in a difficult period of our nation's history. Ford was made an Active Member of the International Supreme Council and Honorary Grand Master in 1975. He was awarded his Past Honorary Grand Master's collar in 1977. The title of Honorary Grand Master of DeMolay International can only be awarded to a Mason serving as chief executive of a nation in which DeMolay exists. In addition to President Ford, the honor has been granted to Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman, and Canadian Prime Minister John G. Diefenbaker. President Ford's complete Masonic record is recorded in the Masonic Presidents Gallery on the website of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. The thoughts and prayers of PA DeMolays go with President Ford's wife Betty, all of his family, and our nation in this time of loss.
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Photo above: President Gerald Ford is presented with his Past Honorary Grand Master collar by then Grand Master of DeMolay International, Thomas C. Raum, Jr.
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