He was a World War II veteran. An ambassador to the UN. The 41st president of the United States. He led a military strike to force Saddam Hussein out of Kuwait in the 1990s. He was a father of six and a grandfather of fourteen. George Herbert Walker Bush passed away on Friday, November 30, 2018 at the age of 94. His death sparked tears across the nation as millions gathered around their televisions first on Wednesday, December 5 to watch his funeral service at the Washington National Cathedral and then on Thursday, December 6 to witness his second funeral service in Houston, Texas at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church.
The funeral in Washington was attended by about 300, with tensions apparent amongst several political figures sitting in the front row, including president Donald Trump with his wife Melania, and previous presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton with their wives Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton. There were musical performances from The Oak Ridge Boys and Reba McEntire, who sang a beautiful rendition of “The Lord’s Prayer.”
While Jon Meacham, Brian Mulroney, and Alan K. Simpson gave beautiful eulogies, the center of focus was on George W. Bush as he gave a eulogy remembering his late father and presidential role model. Bush’s eulogy was funny at times to lighten the mood of the audience, stating, “To us, [my father] was close to perfect. But, not totally perfect. His short game was lousy. He wasn’t exactly Fred Astaire on the dance floor. The man couldn’t stomach vegetables, especially broccoli. And by the way, he passed these genetic defects along to us.” Bush reflected on what his father taught him, especially how to lead
a country with integrity, bravery, and love. He brought light to the loving grandfather and great grandfather George H.W. Bush was, and how passionate he was about his family and his country. Bush choked up during his final words: “So, through our tears, let us see the blessings of knowing and loving you- a great and noble man, and the best father a son or daughter could have.”
George H.W. Bush’s final resting place will be at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library in College Station, Texas where he will be buried with his late wife Barbara Bush and their late daughter Robin.
To view the full transcript of George W. Bush’s eulogy, please visit this link:
https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/05/politics/george-w-bush-eulogy-hw-bush-funeral/index.html
