51 years ago today, August 9, 1974 (June 22, 1974 in the lunar calendar), Ford became the 38th President of the United States. Ford was sworn in as his wife, Betty, the new first lady, watched as Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr., July 14, 1913-December 26, 2006) The 37th and 38th President of the United States (August 9, 1974-January 20, 1977) became President without winning a national election. This was the first time in American history. Ford was appointed Vice President by President Nixon after Spiro Agnew left the vice presidency in disgrace. After Nixon resigned ashamed due to the Watergate scandal, Ford became the owner of the Oval Office. Ford was sworn in today under Chief Justice Warren Burger, declaring to the nation: "Our long national nightmare is over." Ford's top priority is to restore public trust in the White House. Ford, the former Speaker of the House and longtime congressman, is determined to restore the president's credibility and vows to be frank and fair in all activities during his tenure as president. He also admitted that he entered the Office of the Head of State in a unique form. "I know very well that you did not elect me president," he said in a televised speech. "So I ask you to use your prayers to confirm me as your president." Ford excitedly bid farewell to Nixon, a friend and colleague of 25 years. Ford's press secretary, J-F-Tethhorst, said that despite the close relationship between the two, Ford probably would not pardon Nixon's criminal indictment. But Ford signed a pardon for Nixon a month after taking office, which made him unpopular. But in 1975, he decisively ordered the airlift of thousands of refugees from South Vietnam and sent the navy to rescue the cargo ship "Meagz" from the Communist Party of Cambodia restored his prestige. Ford was sworn in