noon eastern time of our 38th president, gerald ford, and the departure from political life of richard m. nixonily are expected to leave by air to their home in california later morning, and we expect to see their departure from the white house. >> in departing the presidency, richard nixon is leaving us with one notable legacy -- proof that the american system does work. that there is equal justice under the law and that public office must always be regarded as a public trust. ♪ >> i walked out to the helicopter where the old man gave the double v, putting the best face on the worst moment of his life. trying to show he was not broken. and so i'm going in the helicopter and take off for the last time. it was over. >> we think that when we suffer a defeat that all has ended. not true. because only if you have been in the deepest valley can you ever know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain. so i say to you on this occasion, others may hate you, but those who hate you don't win unless you hate them, and then you destroy yourself. probably the most important cultural event in the h