Former President George H.W. Bush dies at 94

George Herbert Walker Bush, 41st President of the United States, passed away Nov. 30, 2018 in his Houston home. At age 94 and 171 days, he was America’s longest-lived president.

His state funeral proceedings took place Dec. 5, at Washington National Cathedral in the capitol, and the private ceremony concluded last night, Dec. 6, at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in his hometown of Houston, Texas.

George H.W. Bush was renowned internationally as a kindhearted and genuine soul, the patriarch of an American political dynasty. He gained stature through his military service in World War II, and famously declared the official conclusion of the Cold War. Throughout his term as president, Bush made commendable advancements in domestic policy and volunteerism—a true warrior for positive change.

At the state service, held as a final goodbye for Bush’s government colleagues, four emotional—at times humorous—eulogies were given by close relatives and friends, as well as a moving sermon from Reverend Dr. Russell Levenson, Jr.,of St. Martin’s. The tributes were delivered by Jon Meacham, author of Bush’s presidential biography; Brian Mulroney, former Prime Minister of Canada and political colleague of the deceased; Alan K. Simpson, former United States Senator and Bush’s close personal friend; and the former president’s son, George W. Bush.

Dec. 5 was declared a national day of mourning. Flags were flown at half-mast, and federal institutions—the post office, stock market, most government offices, and others—were closed for the day out of respect for the deceased.

Given the time off, several prestigious government officials joined the mourners. Many former presidential families were in attendance, among them the Obamas, Clintons, Carters, Bidens and Trumps.

Most notably, eulogist George W. Bush was sure to reference his father’s volunteerism program “A Thousand Points of Light,” regarding him as “the brightest of a thousand points of light.”

Whether Republican or Democrat, liberal or conservative, retired dignitary or current officer, mourners were able to leave politics at the door, honoring benevolent former president George H.W. Bush in a beautiful display of love and appreciation, deemed by all in attendance a fitting goodbye to their beloved 41.