With the sad passing of George H W Bush on November 30th 2018, an inspirational and emotional Memorial Service took place on the 5th November 2018 at the outstanding National Cathedral in Washington to celebrate his life. The Memorial was attended by all living US Presidents with their first ladies sitting side by side. When George W Bush arrived, he greeted everyone, and handed a sweet to Michelle Obama (which has historically always made her chuckle.)
FULL MEMORIAL SERVICE OF GEORGE H W BUSH
PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH DELIVERS A BEAUTIFUL EULOGY TO HIS FATHER PRESIDENT GEORGE H W BUSH
Whilst listening to the heartfelt eulogies of George H W Bush’s family, friends and colleagues one could easily paint a full mental picture of just what kind of a man George H W Bush was, both in his private life and at work. The words “decency”, “prudence”, “dignity”, “humility”, “honour”, “integrity”, “restraint”, “gentlemanliness” and “bravery” were repeated many times. And also the fact that he had a wonderful sense of humour and would be loyal to his friends and colleagues in every instance. He was clearly much-loved by all.
George H W Bush led a long and interesting life. Enlisting in the US Navy on his 18th birthday, soon after the attack on Pearl Harbour, he postponed his University Studies and became a young Aviator, and War Hero, when his plane was shot down over the Pacific, and he managed to survive. According to his close friends George Bush Snr would often ask “why me”? – seemingly haunted by the fact that he had managed to survive when others hadn’t. Presidential Historian Jon Meacham said “His life was a perennial effort to prove himself worthy of his salvation on that distant morning.”
George Bush Snr was highly decorated for his bravery and served until September 1945
After this, he attended Yale University, graduating in 1948. Shortly afterwards, he moved to Texas with his family, where he went into the Oil business, becoming a millionaire by the time he was 40
George H W Bush then went into Politics, winning election to the House of Representatives from the 7th Congressional District of Texas in 1966. He was appointed as Ambassador to the United Nations by President Nixon in 1971 and in 1973 became Chairman of the Republican National Committee. He went on to become Chief of the Liaison Office in China, the Director of Central Intelligence, and Vice President of the US until becoming President in 1988 (the first incumbent vice president in 152 years to be elected president), where he had a long and distinguished Political career.
Since his passing Foreign Leaders have sent condolences from all over the World, speaking of his skills as a leader, integrity and friendship, including Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain who said:-
“President Bush was a great friend and ally of the United Kingdom. He was also a patriot, serving his country with honour and distinction in Office and during the Second World War.
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.”
PRESIDENT TRUMP SALUTES THE CASKET OF GEORGE H W BUSH
Following the funeral service, Mr Bush’s flag-draped casket was carried by a Military Honour Guard from the Cathedral and was later flown to Texas,
where the casket will lie in public repose at St Martin’s Episcopal Church until Thursday morning. There will be a second service before he is taken to his final resting place next to his beloved wife Barbara at the George H W Bush Presidential Library.
Some Famous Quotes By George H W Bush:-
“You have to understand that when people are hurting, they criticize” – George H W Bush
“I stand for anti-bigotry, anti-semitism and anti-racism” – George H W Bush
“Our God is a forgiving God” – George H W Bush
“We are not the sum of our possessions” – George H W Bush
“We can make a lasting peace and transform the East-West relationship into one of enduring co-operation” – George H W Bush
“Our role is to make kinder the face of the Nation, and gentler the face of the World” – George H W Bush
Yesterday’s Memorial Service Was Nothing If Not Kind And Gentle
© Amanda Waters