Milton-born ‘American Hero’ saluted by his home state
Pols and residents offer tributes to George H.W. Bush
Bay State politicos and residents are mourning the loss of former president and Milton native George H.W. Bush. Flags and flowers adorned his Adams Street birthplace in memory of the late leader remembered as a “decent” man who put his country first. Bush, the 41st president who served from 1989 to 1993, died Friday at age 94. Though he only lived there for six months before his family moved to Connecticut, many Milton neighbors appreciated the historical connection between their home and the president who helped end the Cold War in 1990 and reunit- ed Germany. Dozens stopped by yesterday to leave mementos at the plaque that marks Bush’s birthplace. Bush had visited the spot in 1997 during its dedication. “It is important to pay respects to someone who gave their entire life to the country,” said Bob Scannell, 57, of Milton. “He was a hero in war and served in elected office most of his life. I was here when they did the dedication. He shook my hand. He seemed like a genuine man. He gave it all for the country.” Stefan Skalinski, 22, of Dorchester, said Bush was a politician he admired. “He’s an American hero,” Skalinski said. “I dropped a flag. I wanted to show my respects. When I heard he passed it was the first thing I thought of. You think of him as someone from Texas but he was born right here in Milton. Right in my backyard.” “They don’t make them like this anymore,” he added. “He’s someone who believed in bipartisanship. We need more like that.” Ed Keohane, 38, brought his four-year-old daughter Lilly to place a flag on the plaque and show her a piece of American history. “It’s a sad day but a poignant day,” Keohane said. “It’s a reminder of what’s possible in this country and also how it is possible to be a very decent man. He put country first. He’s someone we should really respect in this country. It is the passing of an era.” Gov. Charlie Baker tweeted a photo of Bush with Patriots quarterback Tom Brady at the 2017 Super Bowl in Houston, writing, “George H. W. Bush was a decent, honorable man who served this country in many capacities for decades. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.” Bush was a student body leader and the baseball and soccer team captain at Philips Academy, graduating in 1942. When he was a student there, he met his future wife, Barbara Pierce, at a Christmas dance in 1941. “His legacy extends from the White House to Andover Hill,” said Phillips Academy headmaster John Palfrey. “We celebrate his many contributions to our campus community, including those as class leader, varsity athlete and loyal alumnus.” Bush served on the school’s Board of Trustees for 16 years and sent his three sons there: George graduated in 1964, Jeb graduated in 1971, and Marvin in 1975, Philips Academy said. House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo said Bush was a “family man of great integrity, and his long career in selfless service to the people of the United States.” MassGOP Chairwoman Kirsten Hughes called the 41st president “an awe-inspiring man who had a deep love for public service, his country and his family. The true testament of his character was one that urged civility in politics but did so with compassion.” Mayor Martin J. Walsh called the statesman “a man who led our country with dignity and honor. He was a President defined by pragmatism, seeking solutions above party in service to his country. My thoughts are with his family at this time.”