RP 62

Honoring the memory of the thirty-eighth President of the United States of America, Gerald R. Ford. 

WHEREAS, the nation lost a humble leader with a gentle spirit this week with the passing of President Gerald R. Ford on Tuesday, December 26, 2006; and  

WHEREAS, as president, Gerald R. Ford restored honesty and candor to government, ushering in a new era of national healing in the aftermath of Watergate that thrust him into the presidency during a time of growing economic uncertainty with rising inflation and a looming energy crisis; and 

WHEREAS, President Ford led America during an era of difficult foreign policy challenges, including the Soviet Union's aspirations for world domination and the resolution of the conflict in Vietnam; and 

WHEREAS, Gerald R. Ford lived a long life of distinguished public service, serving in the Pacific Theater in the United States Navy during World War II, in the United States House of Representatives during twelve terms from 1949 to 1973, and as minority leader from 1965 to 1973; and 

WHEREAS, Gerald R. Ford was an icon not only in politics but as a member of two national championship football teams at the University of Michigan; and 

WHEREAS, Gerald R. Ford's wife, Betty, is an inspiration to millions of Americans who have battled cancer and addiction, showing there is hope in the midst of adversity; and 

WHEREAS, in retirement, President Ford used the years following his presidency to urge bipartisan unity on the critical issues facing the country; and 

WHEREAS, it seems fitting to publicly set aside a day of mourning so all Texans can reflect on the life and person of Gerald R. Ford; 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Rick Perry, Governor of Texas, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Texas as the Chief Executive Officer, do hereby order the following: 

Tuesday, January 2, 2007, shall be recognized as an official Day of Mourning.  The people of Texas are encouraged to gather, assemble, and pay their respects to the memory of Gerald R. Ford through appropriate ceremonies in homes, businesses, public buildings, schools, places of worship, or other appropriate places for public expression of grief and remembrance.  

To allow state employees to attend such observances, state agencies, offices, and departments shall be closed on that day; except those agencies, offices, and departments that the heads thereof determine should remain open with a sufficient number of employees for reasons of public safety and essential public business pursuant to Sections 662.003, 662.004 and 662.022 of the Texas Government Code. 

In addition, and in accordance with a proclamation issued by the President of the United States and by my powers under the Texas Government Code, the flags of the United States of America and of the State of Texas on the State Capitol Building and in the Capitol Complex, at the Governor's Mansion, and upon all state buildings, grounds, and facilities shall be flown at half-staff for a period of 30 days from the date of his death.  I further direct that these flags shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all Texas offices and facilities abroad.  Individuals, businesses, municipalities, counties, and other political subdivisions in Texas are encouraged to fly these flags at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect and honor.  Flags should be returned to full staff at sunrise or the beginning of the display day on Friday, January 26, 2007. 

This executive order supersedes all previous orders on this matter that are in conflict or inconsistent with its terms and this order shall remain in effect and in full force until modified, amended, rescinded, or superseded by me or by a succeeding Governor.  

Given under my hand this the 29th day of December, 2006.     

Rick Perry, Governor

TRD-200700068

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME:

I, RICK PERRY, Governor of Texas, do hereby certify that severe storms and tornadoes on December 29, 2006 have caused a disaster in Johnson and Limestone Counties, in the State of Texas.

THEREFORE, in accordance with the authority vested in me by Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code, I do hereby proclaim the existence of such threat and direct that all necessary measures both public and private as authorized under Section 418.015 of the code be implemented to meet that threat.

As provided in section 418.016, all rules and regulations that may inhibit or prevent prompt response to this threat are suspended for the duration of the incident.

In accordance with the statutory requirements, copies of this proclamation shall be filed with the applicable authorities.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and have officially caused the Seal of State to be affixed at my Office in the City of Austin, Texas, this the 3rd day of January, 2007.

Rick Perry, Governor

Attested by: Roger Williams, Secretary of State

TRD-200700069