Honoring Jerry

It was appropriate for the ceremonies to have been both light and serious when former President Ford was honored with the opening of his presidential museum in Michigan over the weekend. He showed once more that ability not to take himself too solemnly which was such a help when he was plunged into the presidency after the Nixon resignation. And President Reagan's remarks recalled the fundamental healing quality that Mr. Ford brought to divisive times.

As presidential museums proliferate, they must mean more to the public than perfunctory repositories or glorified public-relations efforts. If the latest one reminds the nation of the healing role a public figure can play -- and that each citizen can play in daily life -- it will be a worthy monument indeed.