A man among men
Memories from the Oval Office
President Trump and his predecessors all fondly remembered George H.W. Bush in statements and social media comments yesterday. Bush died in Texas Friday at the age of 94.
“Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Doro, and I are saddened to announce that after 94 remarkable years, our dear Dad has died. George H.W. Bush was a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for. 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.” — George W. Bush
“Melania and I join with a grieving Nation to mourn the loss of former President George H.W. Bush, who passed away last night. “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. “President Bush always found a way to set the bar higher.” — President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump
“America has lost a patriot and humble servant in George Herbert Walker Bush. 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 ... “It’s a legacy of service that may never be matched, even though he’d want all of us to try.” — Barack Obama
“Hillary and I mourn the passing of President George H.W. Bush, and give thanks for his great long life of service, love, and friendship. “I will be forever grateful for the friendship we formed. From the moment I met him as a young governor invited to his home in Kennebunkport, I was struck by the kindness he showed to Chelsea, by his innate and genuine decency, and by his devotion to Barbara, his children, and their growing brood. “He never stopped serving. ... I am profoundly grateful for every minute I spent with President Bush and will always hold our friendship as one of my life’s greatest gifts.” — Bill Clinton
“Rosalynn and I are deeply saddened by the death of former President George H.W. Bush. His administration was marked by grace, civility, and social conscience. Through his Points of Light initiative and other projects, he espoused a uniquely American volunteer spirit, fostering bipartisan support for citizen service and inspiring millions to embrace community volunteerism as a cherished responsibility.” --- Jimmy Carter
“(Our partnership) ... could hardly have been more collegial, uncomplicated or free of tension. We were friends who quickly became close friends. We remained so through all the years since, right up until his passing.” — Bush’s Vice President Dan Quayle
“Fair winds and following seas, Sir. We have the watch.” — @USNavy, Twitter account of the U.S. Navy