Where were you 40 years ago this evening when President Richard M. Nixon resigned?

[Algernon Moncrieff]

135. He made the announcement on 8/8, which most people consider "the resignation"

But you are correct, he announced that he's resign the Presidency "effective at noon, tomorrow " (i.e. 8/9)

I think Ford, whatever his faults may have been as President, gate the perfect speech upon succeeding to the presidency:

I am acutely aware that you have not elected me as your President by your ballots, and so I ask you to confirm me as your President with your prayers. And I hope that such prayers will also be the first of many... If you have not chosen me by secret ballot, neither have I gained office by any secret promises. I have not campaigned either for the Presidency or the Vice Presidency. I have not subscribed to any partisan platform. I am indebted to no man, and only to one woman—my dear wife, Betty—as I begin this very difficult job... My fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over... Our Constitution works; our great Republic is a government of laws and not of men. Here the people rule. But there is a higher Power, by whatever name we honor Him, who ordains not only righteousness but love, not only justice but mercy.

I'd also assert that the Ford Presidency was worth it if for no other reason than one: Betty Ford was an awesome First Lady during and after her husband's Presidency.