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Tributes To George H.W. Bush After His Death Are A Testament To His Legacy
On Friday night, the 41st president of the United States died at the age of 94 at his home in Houston, Texas. Shortly thereafter, tributes to former President George H. W. Bush poured in, proving he had a lasting impact on American politics.
Bush's death came roughly eight months after the death of former first lady and his wife of 73 years, Barbara Bush. The pair was the longest married couple in presidential history, according to The New York Times.
Bush was the last World War II veteran to serve as president. In addition to his time in U.S. Navy, Bush served in the Texas legislature, as the ambassador to the United Nations, director of the Central Intelligence Agency, chairman of the Republican National Committee, and two terms as the vice president under Ronald Reagan. The Washington Post reported that Bush was diagnosed with vascular Parkinsonism in 2012, which had limited his mobility.
President Donald Trump told reporters in Argentina (where he is for this year's Group of 20 summit) that next Wednesday, Dec. 5, will be a national day of mourning to honor Bush. White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will attend Bush's funeral, which will take place at Washington National Cathedral.
Republican Texas Sen. Ted Cruz
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz published his tribute tweet on Saturday morning, saying that Bush and his wife, Barbara, have finally been reunited.
Former CIA Director John O. Brennan
John O. Brennan said Bush's long-time commitment to governmental service is an inpsiration to Americans. "A life very well lived; an American who made us all proud. May he rest in eternal peace," Brennan wrote.
Republican Utah Sen.-Elect Mitt Romney
Incoming Republican Sen. Mitt Romney published a tweet thread about bush on Saturday morning. "No one stood taller than George H.W. Bush, a giant among men. Hero in war, servant in the halls of state, and President of the greatest nation on earth," Romney wrote. "Ann & I have been enormously blessed by President Bush’s counsel, generosity & friendship. We have laughed together at his & Barbara’s table & discussed the course of the nation at his library. Every encounter with George H.W. Bush impressed us with both his wisdom & his wit."
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi
House Minority Leader (and likely, soon Speaker of the House) tweeted her remembrance of Bush on Saturday morning. "George H.W. Bush’s life was defined by an inspiring commitment to public service. I am deeply grateful to his family for having shared such a wonderful man with us all," the Democratic California congresswoman wrote.
Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright
Madeleine Albright, the first woman to serve as secretary of state, said Bush was "one of the finest international statesmen to ever lead our country."
President Barack Obama
President Barack Obama shared a long statement in tribute of Bush on Friday night. Obama called his predecessor "a patriot and humble servant."
Democratic Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown
Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown highlighted Bush's military record in his tribute. "Like most of the WWII generation, and our veterans today, President George H.W. Bush never bragged about his military record. He simply dedicated his life to service, and we are all grateful for his commitment to our country," Brown wrote.
Republican Ohio Sen. Rob Portman
Sen. Rob Portman worked in Bush's White House in the late '80s and early '90s before he left to represent Ohio in the House of Representatives. Portman shared a photo of Bush and Barbara with his tribute.
Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II, the figurehead of England who is 92 years old, shared her condolences in a statement on Saturday. "President Bush was a great friend and ally of the United Kingdom. He was also a patriot, serving his country, with honor and distinction in Office and during teh Second World War," she said.
The monarch also mentioned her visit to Texas. "Prince Philip and I remember our days in Texas in 1991 with great fondness. My thoughts and prayers are with President Bush's family and the American people," Elizabeth wrote.
