"There are no historic or legal precedents to which I can turn in this matter, none that precisely fit the circumstances of a private citizen who has resigned the presidency of the United States. . . . Many months and perhaps more years will have to pass before Richard Nixon could hope to obtain a fair trial by jury . . . But it is not the ultimate fate of Richard Nixon that most concerns me . . . but the immediate future of this great country . . . . Now, therefore, I, Gerald R. Ford, president of the United States . . . have granted and do grant a full, free and absolute pardon unto Richard Nixon for all offenses against the United States which he . . . has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 20, 1969 through August 9, 1974."

“Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies in President Ford's hometown.”

“Audio recordings of Ford's speeches.”

“Let us put an end to self-inflicted wounds. Let us remember that our national unity is a most priceless asset. Let us deny our adversaries the satisfaction of using Vietnam to pit Americans against Americans.”

“The Constitution is the bedrock of all our freedoms; guard and cherish it; keep honor and order in your own house; and the republic will endure.”

“It is good to be back in the People's House. But this cannot be a real homecoming. Under the Constitution, I now belong to the executive branch. The Supreme Court has even ruled that I am the executive branch — head, heart, and hand.”

“I am a Ford, not a Lincoln. My addresses will never be as eloquent as Mr. Lincoln's. But I will do my very best to equal his brevity and his plain speaking.”