President George H.W. Bush Dies — 41st President and Father of 43rd
Saturday, December 01, 2018
George H.W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States, has died at the age of 94.
In addition to serving as President, he was Vice President of the United States, headed the CIA, served in Congress and was the father of the 43rd president, to list just a number of his professional accomplishments.
Bush served in the United States Navy during World War II, was shot down over the Pacific, and was heavily decorated. Bush had logged 1,228 hours of flight time, 126 carrier landings and 58 combat missions. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the U.S. Navy Air Medal with two gold stars, according to his military record.
He was the last of the “greatest generation” to serve as President — those that lived through the Great Depression and served in World War II.
His wife of 73 years, Barbara Bush, died on April 17 and he had suffered from Parkinson’s Disease since 2012. The Bushs had five children, 17 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
On Saturday morning, the Bush Presidential Library posted, “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family of President Bush on his passing. President Bush spent most of his life serving the public and had a long career in both domestic politics and foreign affairs. He was also a devoted husband and dedicated father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
President Bush was intimately involved in the Presidential Library and local community from attending exhibit openings and forums to frequently being seen in the museum and surrounding grounds. So many people here have been touched by his life and knowing him personally. Through his Presidential Library and Museum we will continue to honor his life and legacy with our utmost reverence.
All scheduled events will be canceled until further notice.
As President
Bush’s years as President were marked by both dramatic success and difficult failures. He oversaw the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Berlin Wall. His Presidency claimed success for the demise of the Soviet bloc and the collapse of numerous Eastern European regimes.
“During his historic term in office, the West prevailed in the Cold War; the Soviet Union gave way to a democratic Russia; the Berlin Wall “fell” and Germany was unified within NATO; and President Bush signed two treaties to drastically reduce the threat of nuclear war. After Iraq’s unprovoked invasion of Kuwait in 1990, Mr. Bush forged an unprecedented coalition of disparate nations to uphold international law. His deft handling of this international crisis enabled him to convene the Madrid Peace Conference later in 1991. Throughout his presidency, George Bush worked closely with his international counterparts, including Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, in ways that advanced America’s interests in peace and economic opportunity,” writes the Bush Library.
Bush launched his “Points of Light” initiative to promote volunteerism and community service across America, and during his term in office, he named 1,020 Daily Points of Light hailing from all 50 states.
But, he struggled with the economy and despite having pledged never to raise taxes “read my lips, no new taxes,” he reversed course and did, which opened the door to his reelection effort in 1992 which Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton defeated Bush.
