WASHINGTON—Former President George H. W. Bush was honored with a state funeral on Dec. 5 in the nation’s capital….
WASHINGTON—Former President George H. W. Bush was honored with a state funeral on Dec. 5 in the nation’s capital. President Donald Trump, former presidents, and world leaders gathered at Washington National Cathedral to bid their final farewell to the former president.
Bush died last week at 94 after battling the rare disease Vascular Parkinsonism for several years.
He served as the 41st president of the United States from 1989 to 1993. He was considered one of the most qualified candidates to assume the office as he had a long career in both domestic politics and foreign affairs. He was the former head of the CIA during the Cold War. He also served eight years as vice president of Ronald Reagan.
During his presidency, he navigated the collapse of the Soviet Union and expelled former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein’s forces from Kuwait.
His son, former President George W. Bush delivered an emotional eulogy at the ceremony.
“Dad could relate to people from all walks of life. He was an empathetic man,” Bush said. “He valued character over pedigree. And he was no cynic. He looked for the good in each person and he usually found it.”
Bush told his father just before his death that he had been a “wonderful dad” and that he loved him. He said his father’s “last words on earth were ‘I love you, too.’”
Nearly 3,000 guests including political leaders and family members attended the service. Britain’s Prince Charles, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan were among foreign dignitaries.
Former senator Alan Simpson also gave a tribute in honor of his late friend Bush, drawing laughter from the gathered political elite.
“He was a man of such great humility. those who travel the high road of humility in Washington, D.
