Simplify the following text for a Grade 8 native English-speaking person.
Original: Furthermore , Wills ' letter `` made it equally clear to the president that he would have only a small part in the ceremonies '' , perhaps akin to the modern tradition of inviting a noted public figure to do a ribbon-cutting at a grand opening .
Simplified: Also , Wills 's letter `` made it equally clear to the president that he would have only a small part in the ceremonies '' .