Bush begins new year Monday paying respects to former President Ford

CRAWFORD, Texas (AP) _ President Bush's first public event of the new year is a solemn one. <br/><br/>Shortly after returning to Washington from their Texas ranch, the president and first lady Laura

Monday, January 1st 2007, 9:23 am

By: News On 6

CRAWFORD, Texas (AP) _ President Bush's first public event of the new year is a solemn one.

Shortly after returning to Washington from their Texas ranch, the president and first lady Laura Bush will pay their respects Monday to former President Gerald R. Ford, who is lying in state in the Capitol Rotunda.

Bush is to offer a eulogy for Ford on Tuesday at a funeral for the nation's 38th president at the National Cathedral.

Ford's death came during the same week in which former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein was hanged in Iraq and the U.S. death toll in Iraq topped 3,000.

In his New Year's message to the nation, Bush hailed the U.S. economy, and pledged to stay on the offensive against enemies of freedom and help move Iraq toward a free, unified nation.

"Defeating terrorists and extremists is the challenge of our time, and we will answer history's call with confidence and fight for liberty without wavering," he said.

During his time at his ranch at Crawford, Texas, Bush worked on rethinking U.S. policy in Iraq. He met with his top national security advisers to craft a new way to end sectarian bloodshed that is preventing political reconciliation and rebuilding.

Bush is preparing a speech to the nation to outline his new policy. He is expected to deliver his speech sometime after Congress reconvenes on Jan. 4 but before his State of the Union address on Jan. 23. Increasing the number of troops in Iraq is one idea he's contemplating.

"Our nation depends on the fine men and women in uniform who serve our country with valor and distinction, and we remain mindful of their dedication and sacrifice," he said in his New Year's message. "America's troops and their families exemplify the great character of our country, and they have earned the respect and admiration of a grateful nation."