President George H.W. Bush Remembered As Patriot, Role Model

HOUSTON — George Herbert Walker Bush, the 41st president of the United States and patriarch of an American political dynasty, is being remembered as a patriot and humble servant. A World War II veteran, the former president died Friday at the age of 94, preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Barbara, who died in April.

The White House issued a statement on news of the former president’s death, with Donald and Melania Trump praising Bush for his “…sound judgement [sic], common sense and unflappable spirit” that helped end the Cold War. As part of the Trumps’ statement, the first couple honored Bush not only for service to country but devotion to family. In their tribute, the Trumps encapsulated the former president’s impressive trajectory.

“President Bush always found a way to set the bar higher,” the statement read in part. “As a young man, he captained the Yale baseball team and served as the youngest aviator in the United States Navy during the Second World War. Later in life, he rose to the pinnacle of American politics as a Congressman from Texas, envoy to China, Director of Central Intelligence, Vice President of eight years to President Ronald Reagan, and finally President of the United States.”

The president later took to Twitter in adding a shorter, personal message:

The Obama family also released a statement. “America has lost a patriot and humble servant in George Herbert Walker Bush,” President Obama and Michelle Obama said in a statement. “While our hearts are heavy today, they are also filled with gratitude. Not merely for the years he spent as our forty-first President, but for the more than 70 years he spent in devoted service to the country he loved.”

The Obama family added that Bush was “…a decorated Naval aviator who nearly gave his life in World War II, to Commander-in-Chief of our Armed Forces, with plenty of posts along the way. Ambassador to the United Nations. Director of Central Intelligence. U.S. envoy to China. Vice President of the United States.”

Full Obit: George H.W. Bush, President And War Hero, Dead At 94

President Obama had visited Bush in Houston on Tuesday. Bush’s spokesman, Jim McGrath, said Bush “was very pleased” with the visit, adding “the two had a very pleasant and private visit … they rekindled what was already a very warm friendship.”

On Saturday, the day after his death, a memorial website was created as tribute to the late president.

Tributes and words of condolence poured in as news of the former president’s death spread, ranging from those who had worked closely with Bush but to family members who remembered him endearingly with the term of endearment “Gampy.”

The late former president’s son, George W. Bush, who followed him into the Oval Office a dozen years after the elder Bush left office, released a statement on behalf of family members, calling his father “…a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for.” The scion added: “The entire Bush family is deeply grateful for 41’s life and love, for the compassion of those who have cared and prayed for Dad, and for the condolences of our friends and fellow citizens,” he said.

Other members of the Bush family released statements as well.

George P. Bush, commissioner of the Texas General Land Office, said his grandfather “was the greatest man I ever knew. His life spanned the American Century — he fought in World War II … took part in the Texas oil boom … served out a distinguished career in public service.”

Jeb Bush Jr., another grandson, said: “Nothing gave my Gampy more joy than service to others, especially supporting and caring for those who risk making the ultimate sacrifice everyday. His leadership taught us to be kindler and gentler, to love each other.”

Bush started his career in Houston and lived there until the end of his life. He began his career as an oil wildcatter, founding Zapata Oil with former business partner Hugh Liedtke. Tributes from his adopted hometown abounded upon news of his death.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner called Bush “one of our most esteemed and relatable neighbors,” noting that he and his late wife Barbara, “…were our sports teams’ biggest fans, and boosters for everything Houston.” Turner added that “The Bushes could have moved anywhere after his time in public office,” Turner said, but they chose to return to their beloved city.”

The chancellor of Texas A&M University, John Sharp, noted that Bush wasn’t just a great president but “…one of the finest men to serve our country in many ways.”

In the immediate aftermath of Bush’s death, Texas A&M students lit candles before placing them before the former president’s statue outside of the Bush School. The votive candles doubled as reference to Bush’s invoking of “a thousand points of light” in a speech when he lauded the power of the American spirit of generosity. The former president’s legacy looms large at the Texas university in College Station, where the George The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum is located on a 90-acre site on campus where his final resting place is also situated.

Bush coined the term in a speech accepting the presidential nomination at the 1988 Republican National Convention in New Orleans. Written by Peggy Noonan and Craig R. Smith, the address the address likened America’s clubs and volunteer organizations to “…a brilliant diversity spread like stars, like a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky.”

Bush’s rhetorical flourish in describing the American spirit begat the Points of Light organization, an international nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to engaging more people and resources in solving serious social problems through voluntary service. Officials of the group paid homage to their founder, describing the former president as “… a kind, compassionate and humble man; a leader who believed in service for the betterment of society. We join millions across the country and around the world in celebrating his life and legacy tonight.”

The “points of light” reference was included in the official Trump statement as an example of the former president’s call for volunteerism: “Through his essential authenticity, disarming wit, and unwavering commitment to faith, family, and country, President Bush inspired generations of his fellow Americans to public service—to be, in his words, ‘a thousand points of light’ illuminating the greatness, hope, and opportunity of America to the world.”

It was a generous sentiment on a predecessor’s vision Trump once mocked when Bush was still alive, laying out contrasts to his own worldview slogan at a Montana political rally in July: “Thousand points of light,” Trump told the crowd. “What does that mean? I know one thing. ‘Make America Great Again’ we understand. Thousands points of light — I never quite got that one. What the hell is that? Has anyone ever figured that one out? It was put out by a Republican, wasn’t it?”

David Gergen, who served four presidents (not including Bush), said he was “deeply saddened” by Bush’s passing. “In the rear view mirror of history, his dignity and sound judgment seem ever more appealing,” Gergen said.

Former San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro, who later served as HUD secretary under President Obama, said Bush “lived an admirable life of service to country. He made a positive impact on the lives of so many Americans.”

Texas Governor Greg Abbott added to the words of tribute, calling Bush “a friend to all he met” and said he “embodied class and dignity.” Speaking on behalf of the state he leads as governor, Abbott said “Texas mourns the loss of one of our greatest Presidents. George H.W. Bush was an American hero and icon, he was a friend to all he met, he embodied class and dignity. On behalf of the Lone Star State, Cecilia [Abbot’s wife] and I offer our thoughts and prayers to the entire Bush family.”

President Bill Clinton, who succeeded Bush as president, developed an implausible friendship with the his predecessor. The two became so close after their terms ended, that Bush took to calling Clinton an honorary son as the two embarked on global philanthropic efforts together when both became private citizens.

“He never stopped serving,” Clinton said in a family statement. “I saw it up close, working with him on tsunami relief in Asia and here at home after Hurricane Katrina. His remarkable leadership and great heart were always on full display.”

Al Gore, who served as vice president under Clinton during the eight years of the former presidents two terms, said Bush “..earned bipartisan respect for speaking up and taking action for what he believed was right, even when doing so was unpopular.”

Jim Crane, the chairman of the Houston Astros professional baseball team, called Bush a “great American” while noting the former president’s service to his country as a World War II veteran. “President Bush was a great American who devoted his life to serving his country. He epitomized class and dignity and was a true patriot.”

Also from the sports world, National Football League President Roger Goodell voiced condolences in calling Bush a hero and patriot.

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio added his voice to the tributes, calling Bush “an America hero, a patriot and a wise and generous man.”

Condoleeza Rice, who served Bush’s son as national security adviser and secretary of state, said that he “loved America with all of his heart and served her as fully and completely as anyone ever has.”

National Security Advisor Brent Snowcroft added his voice to the string of tributes, saying he has lost a dear friend while “The world has lost a great leader.” Scowcroft is a former U.S. Air Force officer who served under presidents Gerald Ford and Bush. In his words of condolence upon the latter’s passing, Snowcroft added: “I am heartbroken.”

Rusty Paul, mayor in Sandy Springs, Georgia, served in the first Bush administration as assistant secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Paul, who said he was “honored” with this distinction, said he was able to meet Bush on several occasions both during and following his presidency.

“He was one of the kindest, most thoughtful human beings I’ve ever met,” Paul said. “Thank you for a life of service, Mr. President.”

Arnold Schwarzenegger wrote that “President Bush has left us for one last flight but his destination isn’t unknown. He’s flying into the arms of the love of his life, Barbara. This evening, each of us should take a moment to look up and offer him a silent thanks.”

Photo via Getty/provided by Paul Morse/George W. Bush Presidential Center shows former first lady Laura Bush, former President George W. Bush, former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State and first lady Hillary Clinton, former President Barack Obama, former President George H. W. Bush, former first lady Michelle Obama and current first lady Melania Trump pose for a group photo at the funeral ceremony for the late first lady Barbara Bush at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church on April 21, 2018 in Houston, Texas.